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Description: Acer Palmatum is part of the genus of Aceraceae, which has over 200 species of trees and shrubs within it, mostly grown for their beautiful ornamental foliage, often brilliantly coloured especially in autumn. Position: They grow best in sun or semi shade in well drained fertile soil. Most species are tolerant of lime in the soil. Plant between October and March unless it is a pot grown tree, in which case it can be planted anytime as long as it is acclimatised first. Protect from cold strong winds. They can also be damaged by late frosts followed by sun. Propagation: Not really recommended for the amateur grower. Species trees and shrubs can be grown from seed sown in a cold frame in October. Named varieties don't usually grow true from seed and should be grafted on to a species rootstock. Pruning is not usually necessary, just remove any dead branches in spring. Pests & Diseases: They are fairly troublefree but they can be attacked by aphids, gall mites, red spider mite. They can also suffer from coral spot, honey fungus, tar spot and verticillium wilt. Not a pest or disease, but the leaves of acers can be scorched, turn brown at the edges and shrivel. Popular Varieties Acer palmatum dissectum viride - similar to atropurpureum above but with bright green leaves. Acer palmatum corallinum - this variety doesn't have the heavily dissected foliage of 'dissectum', but rather lobed leaves. The mature foliage is a brilliant red turning to yellow/orange in autumn. Acer palmatum butterfly - again with lobed foliage, this variety has green leaves with creamy and pink edges. Acer palmatum bloodgood - lobed rather than dissected foliage, deep purple-red turning to deep bright red in autumn. Further Reading Maples for Gardens: A Colour Encyclopedia from Amazon.co.uk, price £24.50 or buy it from Amazon.com for $33.97. The Gardener's Guide to Growing Maples by James Harris from Amazon.com, price $20.37. Japanese Maples by J. D. Vertrees from Amazon.com, price $33.97.
Copyright © 2005 - Carol
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