JAPANESE MAPLE GARNET
| Article and pictures by David Marks. This is one of the most commonly available of the dissectums available and there are several reasons why. The primary reason is that acer palmatum Garnet is a very attractive tree which has a height at maturity of about 3m / 10ft. This makes it ideal for many sizes of garden. The second reason is that it grows vigorously in the early years which makes it easy to grow into a good sized tree for the nursery trade. |
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It has all the well-liked characteristics of the dissectum group of acers, with lace like leaves, albeit a bit coarser than normal. The picture above shows how Garnet looks in April, it will bush out more to a nice rounded top as the month progresses. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR ACER PALMATUM GARNET
| Genus |
Acer |
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| Species |
palmatum | |
| Variety |
‘Garnet’ | |
| Light |
It will tolerate most light conditions but a sunny position is definitely needed to bring out the full colour of the leaves. | |
| Hardy |
Yes, a strong growing tree with few pest and disease problems. | |
| Soil |
A neutral to slightly acid soil is best but acer palmatum Garnet tolerates lime better than most acres. | |
| Height |
3.5m / 11ft at maturity | |
| Spread |
3m / 10ft at maturity | |
| Spread |
A nicely rounded head. Will form o good mounded tree if the stem is kept short. | |
| Colour |
Red, turning to garnet red then back to red again in autumn. | |
| Colour |
Yes an excellent tree for large containers. | |
| Bonsai |
No |
LEAF FORM
 |
Leaf colour starts as red turning to a garnet red throughout the summer. In autumn it turns a more deep red again. In low light levels the colour will be tinged by green.
The leaves are divided into multiple lobes which are slightly coarser than many other dissectums. The overall effect though is typically lace-like. |
SUPPLIERS OF ACER PALMATUM GARNET
SHOOT GARDENING
Online only
PARKERS
Online only
Acer palmatum Garnet is widely available from garden centres.
