Acer palmatum Dissectum Ornatum - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Ornatum' is one of the oldest varieties of Japanese Maple cultivated in Europe. A variety appreciated for over 100 years for its miniature weeping willow-like appearance and its foliage that changes colour throughout the seasons. The bush is vigorous but small, and develops arched branches. It bears finely laciniate foliage, similar to that of A. palmatum 'Dissectum'. Its foliage is more colourful at the beginning of the season, before igniting in autumn with red-orange tones, or even yellow-orange, a colour rarely observed in Dissectum varieties. This charming little tree gives a unique personality to the garden or terrace, quickly becoming the focal point.

Native to eastern China, Korea, and Japan, Acer palmatum is the origin of a multitude of horticultural varieties that compete in beauty. Like all maples, it belongs to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae). It is relatively hardy but only tolerates limestone-free soils.

The 'Ornatum' cultivar, of medium growth, eventually takes on a spreading cushion shape, then an umbrella shape, slightly taller than wide. Depending on growing conditions, it will reach an average height of 1.25m (4ft) with a width of 90cm (35in) to 1m (3ft) at maturity. This small tree has reddish-brown bark and develops magnificent deciduous leaves, shaped like palm leaves with deeply incised lobes. Its foliage is splendid when illuminated by the sun, and changes colour each season: it goes from light bronze-red in spring to bronze-green in summer, and finally to autumnal hues. The leaves are opposite, 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, with 7 very narrow lobes and finely toothed edges. Inconspicuous green-purple flowers bloom in May-June. The flowers, grouped in small clusters, sometimes produce fruits with recurved wings, called samaras, measuring 3cm (1in) in length.

Acer palmatum 'Ornatum' prefers acidic, moist, humus-rich, well-drained, partially shaded soil, sheltered from cold and dry winds. This variety tolerates heat quite well, although it prefers a shaded exposure. Compact but sculptural, it is well suited for small gardens, as well as for ornamenting terraces, patios, and shaded rock gardens. Azaleas, pieris, rhododendrons, wild camellias, and heathers will be its most beautiful companions. It can be trained as a magnificent bonsai in a flat tray. Combine several varieties of Japanese maple to vary the colours and foliage structures; the effect is always stunning at the end of the season. Its purple and red shades go beautifully with variegated foliage (dogwoods, elaeagnus, dappled willows), or golden yellow foliage like that of Gleditsia 'Sunburst', for example.