Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Seiryu Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'
Seiryu pairs finely divided green leaves with an upright outline rather than the low cascade of many laceleaf maples. Its vase-like to rounded canopy becomes a refined small-tree focal point, with gold, orange, and red autumn tones. Allow around 10 to 15 feet of height and 8 to 12 feet of spread. Sun to partial shade works, but shelter from drying wind and reflected heat helps protect the delicate foliage. In Southwest Washington, provide organic, slightly acidic, well-drained soil and consistent summer moisture. Mulch the roots and prune selectively so the natural framework remains the feature.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- 10–15 ft
- Mature spread
- 8–12 ft
- Light
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 5–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Seiryu works as a small patio, courtyard, or woodland-edge tree. Its upright form places finely divided leaves above lower planting, making it useful where a low weeping maple would spread too widely.
Where to plant
Allow a crown around 8–12 feet wide and 10–15 feet tall. Sun or partial shade is suitable, with protection from strong wind and hot reflected exposure.
Through the seasons
Finely divided green leaves turn gold, orange, and red in autumn. Small spring flowers and winged seeds are less prominent.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Summer water and protection from heat help keep the fine leaves in good condition. In maritime gardens, the root zone should retain moisture through summer but drain freely during winter.
Soil, drainage & water
Provide slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained soil. Mulch the roots and maintain consistent moisture during dry spells, checking beneath the surface rather than judging by the mulch alone.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune sparingly to retain the upright framework, removing damaged or crossing growth when needed. Any shaping is best kept to light cuts in dry weather during dormancy.
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.
Leaf scorch
Leaf tips and margins may brown after hot, dry, or windy weather.
Help your plant thrive
Check exposure and root-zone moisture. Maintain watering and use afternoon shade or shelter where the site is particularly exposed.
Aphids
Sticky residue, sooty mold, ants, and curled young leaves can accompany aphid colonies.
Help your plant thrive
Inspect tender shoots and wash off small colonies with water where practical. Conserve beneficial insects and avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.
Bacterial leaf spot and dieback
Dark spots, blackened leaf veins, and dying twigs may appear.
Help your plant thrive
Avoid unnecessary wounds and overhead wetting. Have persistent symptoms identified, and prune affected wood in dry weather when recommended.
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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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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Garnet Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Garnet'
Finely cut red foliage drapes over a broad, mounded framework, making 'Garnet' a colorful specimen for sheltered patios, garden edges, and generously sized beds.
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