The diversity of Japanese maples
The diversity of Japanese maples is reflected in the variety of leaf shapes, more or less cut (such as the Dissectum variety whose finely serrated leaves are very light) and changing colors (green, yellow, orange, red), different forms, upright, globe-shaped, or even drooping, and the variability of sizes: there are varieties of Japanese maple dwarfing that do not exceed 1 to 1.20 meters while others climb to 4, 5 or 6 meters high. But in any case, the Japanese maple remains a small tree.
Some remarkable varieties of Japanese maple
The maple Acer palmatum 'Aureum' is one of the most beautiful Japanese maples. Its foliage can have 4 different colors at the same time (normally pale lemon yellow in early spring, light green in summer and reddish orange in autumn).
Acer palmatum 'Asahi zuru' has a very original variegation pattern: it appears irregularly on the leaves, sometimes white, sometimes green.
Use of the Japanese maple in the garden
Japanese maples are perfect as isolated specimens but can be planted in groups to form a shrubbery, playing on different sizes and shapes: Acer palmatum Dissectum in the shape of a globe, Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' with a bushy habit, Acer palmatum 'Senkaki' with bright red bark in autumn and winter...
We can also vary the colors by integrating varieties with red, yellow or variegated leaves.
Growing conditions of the Japanese maple
Japanese maples are always outdoor plants. Most of them appreciate a half-shaded or even shaded exposure - a maple planted in full sun will not look good - and sheltered from the wind.
They prefer acidic and fresh soils: in calcareous soils, bring them heather soil, then mulch them with, for example, bark which, in addition to preserving the freshness of the soil, contributes to its acidity.
Once planted in good conditions, Japanese maples develop without any worries.
