Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Garnet Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Garnet'
'Garnet' Japanese maple combines finely divided red foliage with a broad, softly cascading outline. Spring crimson can soften toward purple-green in summer before brighter autumn reds return. At ten years, a plant may stand about 5–6 feet tall and 7–8 feet wide; older specimens need still more room. Use it as a sheltered patio-side feature or a specimen in a generous bed. In Southwest Washington, protect the delicate leaves from hot afternoon exposure and drying wind. Keep well-drained soil consistently moist through summer, mulch the roots, and prune selectively to retain the natural layers rather than clipping the canopy.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- 6–9 ft; about 5–6 ft at ten years
- Mature spread
- 8–12 ft; about 7–8 ft at ten years
- Light
- Sun to partial shade; protect from hot afternoons
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 5–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The low, spreading crown suits a patio-side planting or mixed border. Leave its branches visible and uncrowded so the finely divided foliage can be seen from nearby.
Where to plant
Allow approximately 8–12 feet for the mature spread. A sheltered position with light or afternoon shade helps protect the fine leaves from hot sun and drying wind.
Through the seasons
Leaves open crimson to red-orange, often soften toward purple-green in summer, and turn brighter red in autumn.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
This cultivar suits maritime Northwest gardens with regular dry-season water. Hot afternoon exposure can damage the leaves, so check the site's summer conditions before planting.
Soil, drainage & water
Provide rich, well-drained soil and keep moisture consistent through summer. Sandy or clay soil can work when drainage and watering are managed; avoid prolonged saturation or drying.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune selectively to retain the branching pattern and remove only growth that needs attention. Late autumn to midwinter is a suitable window, with cuts made during dry weather.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Fine-leaf scorch
The fine leaf tips or margins become dry and brown after heat, wind, or insufficient moisture.
Help your plant thrive
Maintain even moisture and mulch the roots. Afternoon shade and protection from drying wind help reduce damage.
Bacterial leaf and shoot damage
Leaf spots, dark veins, and dying young shoots can occur on Japanese maples.
Help your plant thrive
Avoid wounds and overhead irrigation where practical. Prune during dry weather and have persistent shoot dieback identified before choosing treatment.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', 1 - geograph.org.uk - 6785425.jpg
CC BY-SA 2.0 · Web-optimized
Lion's head Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'
Crinkled green foliage and an upright, sculptural outline distinguish this slow-growing Japanese maple, with gold, orange, and red autumn color in a sheltered garden.
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Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
A versatile small tree with hand-shaped leaves, varied branching, and colorful autumn foliage; choose each species-grown Japanese maple for its individual form and character.
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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen'
Deep red laceleaf foliage covers a broad, cascading framework, giving 'Crimson Queen' a low, rounded silhouette and a colorful presence in sheltered garden beds.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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