Beutiful red foliage turning scarlett in autumn
Acer Palmatum Japanese Maple Atropurpurem 7.5 Litre: Acer are a small, deciduous acer tree grown for their graceful habit, and beautiful colours, whether it be red, green pink or yellow. Atropurpurem is a dark red dissected Acer thats is a perfect addiition to any garden, either planted in a border or pot. Many acer cultivars are extremely slow growing, making them perfect for small gardens or grown in pots. Acer Palmatum 'Atropurpureum' is a beautiful medium sized deciduous acer, whilst it is a relatively slow growing variety it can given time become a large specimen plant with heights and spread reaching 4 to 5 metres,foliage is maple shaped and deep burgundy, turning scarlet red in autumn. Tiny purple flowers can appear in spring on mature specimens, these are often followed by small winged, purple fruits. Happy in a large pot or planted in border where it can be used to form a centrepeice. Best leaf colouring is produced when planted in a semi shaded spot, but will tolerate full sun, however can cause foliage to scorch in warmer parts of the country.
Best planted in a sunny spot through to partial shade ideally in an area sheltered from strong afternoon summer away from exposed frosty sites, as late spring frosts may damage new foliage.
Suitable for container planting: Yes equally as happy in the pot or the ground.
Pruning: Not really a requirement. However if you choose to hard pruning should be done in the dormant months November through to early February. Some light pruning can also be undertaken during the growing season to help create a defined shape for your plant
Acer plants prefer acid soil although this is not an aboslute necessity it will help the plant reach its full potential. If you have unsuccessfully tried to grow Azalea, Rhododendren, Pieris, Camellias the chances are your soil has a high lime content. Soil can be improved by adding Ericaceous compost to the planting hole this will lower the lime content and raise acid. Ericaceous Compost is a specially formulated sterilised loam based, lime free compost with essential foods for plants such as Acer Palmatum.
In the coldest areas it may be advisable wrap the pots in a winter fleece or bubble wrap during the coldest months, this will help protect the roots. Repotting in fresh compost should be considered every 2 years.
Eventual Height and spread: Upto 5 mtres tall with a similar spread, however these are slow growing plants so these sizes will take quite some time to acheive.
Ensure an adequate water supply and feed approximately every 6-8 weeks from early spring through to mid-summer
Foliage: Bright red through to deep purple, Ruby red in autumn.
Growth Speed: Relatively slow.
Growth Habit: Upright and bushy.
Flowering Period: Not applicable.
Foliage: Bright red through to deep purple then ruby red in Autumn
Evergreen: No Deciduous
Acer plants prefer Acid soil although this is not an absolute necessity it will help the plant reach its full potential. If you have unsuccessfully tried to grow Azalea, Rhododendron, Pieris, Camellias the chances are your soil has a high lime content. Soil can be improved by adding Ericaceous compost to the planting hole this will lower the lime content and raise acid. If pot planted best choice is John Innes Ericaceous Compost this is a specially formulated sterilised loam based, lime free compost with essential foods for plants such as Acer Palmatum. Also in the coldest areas it may be advisable wrap the pots in a winter fleece or bubble wrap during the coldest months, this will help protect the roots. Repotting in fresh compost should be considered every 2 years. Ensure an adequate water supply and feed approximately every 6-8 weeks from early spring through to mid-summer.
