Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Suminagashi Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Suminagashi'
Acer palmatum 'Suminagashi' is an upright deciduous Japanese maple with deeply divided leaves that open purple-red, deepen to maroon in summer, and turn bright red in autumn. Its young vase-shaped form broadens with age, making it a specimen tree where its seasonal foliage has room to show. Allow for an eventual height and spread of about 8–13 feet; a ten-year estimate is about 13 feet tall and 10 feet wide. In Southwest Washington, place it in a sheltered spot with sun to partial shade, preferably dappled shade where strong sun can scorch leaves. Give it moist, well-drained acid or neutral soil and water when summer conditions dry it.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- About 8–13 ft eventually
- Mature spread
- About 8–13 ft eventually
- Light
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- H6 (UK hardiness rating)
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its upright young form and red foliage give this maple a clear role as a specimen tree. Leave space for a broader crown as it matures.
Where to plant
Choose a sheltered position with sun to partial shade. Dappled shade can help limit leaf scorch.
Through the seasons
Spring foliage is purple-red, with deeply divided leaves. Summer color deepens to maroon before a bright red autumn display and winter leaf fall.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Dry summer spells call for attention to soil moisture. Late frost can damage young leaves.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in moist, well-drained acid or neutral soil. Water when needed in summer to keep the soil from drying out.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Remove affected shoots in dry weather if bacterial dieback appears. Keep the root zone moist during dry summer periods.
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.
Bacterial leaf spot and dieback
Leaf spots, darkened veins, and shoot-tip dieback.
Help your plant thrive
Prune in dry weather, remove affected material, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Leaf scorch
Brown, scorched leaf edges following sun, wind, or drought stress.
Help your plant thrive
Shelter the tree from drying wind and maintain soil moisture during dry periods.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', 1 - geograph.org.uk - 6785425.jpg
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