Acer palmatum Sharps Pygmy - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Sharp's Pigmy' is, as its name suggests, a small variety of Japanese maple perfectly suited to container gardening and small gardens. It is a small tree with an upright habit and a particularly dense crown. Its small palmate leaves are light green with a hint of purple in spring, turning a beautiful emerald green in summer and then changing to a vibrant scarlet red in autumn. It can be planted as a standalone specimen on a terrace or in a pot on a patio, balcony, or slightly shaded terrace.

Originally from Eastern China, Korea, and Japan, Acer palmatum has given rise to numerous horticultural varieties that compete in beauty. Japanese maple belongs, like all maples, to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae). It is relatively hardy but dislikes dry and cold winds, scorching sun exposure, and dry, chalky soils. The 'Sharp's Pigmy' cultivar has slow growth and a reduced size. In the ground, it will reach approximately 2m (7ft) in all directions. When grown in a pot, this small tree will remain even more compact. Its small leaves, which unfurl in spring, are divided into 5 narrow, toothed lobes. In summer, the lamina is uniformly green. Just before falling, the leaves take on a magnificent orange and then scarlet red colour. The discreet flowering occurs in May-June. The flowers, grouped in small clusters, sometimes give rise to winged fruits called samaras, measuring 3cm (1in) in length. This variety is hardy down to -18 to -20°C (-0.4°F to -4°F).

Acer palmatum 'Sharp's Pigmy' stands out in autumn, whether in the garden or planted in a pot on a terrace, and deserves a prominent place. Japanese maple is not strictly speaking an acid-loving plant, but it prefers humus-rich soil that remains moist. Chinese azaleas, pieris, hydrangeas, wild camellias, ferns, and heathers make excellent companions. It can be shaped into a beautiful bonsai with a flat crown. Mix several varieties of Japanese maples to vary the colours and leaf structures; the effect is always dazzling at the end of the season. Also consider ferns and hostas to accompany them.