Ericaceous plants. Acer palmatum

We cannot enter into spring talking about ericaceous plants without mentioning Acer palmatum.  The frenzy of unfurling foliage in the spring is just as spectacular as the autumn leaf colour Acer palmatum are renowned for. 

The Acer house is impossible to walk past in the spring without a little detour to check on the new foliage and delight in some of the colours that are there. 

Acer palmatum are popular for use in Japanese gardens, cottage gardens and small gardens (depending on variety).  Many have a graceful habit that lend themselves to the back and middle of a mixed border. 

Acer palmatum are on the whole pretty slow growing which again lends them perfectly for use in small gardens.  They can also be grown in containers in ericaceous compost and a layer of mulch every two years or so will not go amiss.  They are a relatively easy plant to grow with minimal pruning and maintenance needed.   They are happy in dappled shade where the morning sun does not hit the leaves early in the season. 

Many have been bred over the years to have colourful winter stems rivalling Cornus in their iridescence and strength of colour.  There are also many dissectum types available that have finely divided foliage that add to the delicacy of the shape and form of the plant. 

In stock we currently have every shape and size you could possibly need for creating a statement with a delicate tree that works hard but looks quite demure while it does so.  Have a look on this link to our stocklist.  Meanwhile we have a few images below to whet your appetite. 

Acer p d Crimson Queen Quarter Standard	Acer p d Garnet options	Acer palmatum specimen
Acer p d Seiryu foliage	Acer p Katsura	Acer p Orange Dream
Acer p Sango-kaku	Acer p Shiraz	Acer house view in spring