A graceful and rewarding addition to any outdoor space, this green leaf acer is supplied in a 3 litre nursery pot and ready to settle into its new home. With its elegantly lobed, fresh green foliage and breathtaking autumn colour, the green Japanese maple is one of the most versatile small trees available to UK gardeners — equally at home on a patio, balcony, or in a sheltered garden border.

Compact in stature yet rich in year-round seasonal interest, this green acer suits both container growing and direct border planting. Its refined, layered form and easy-going nature make it a popular choice for contemporary and traditional garden styles alike.

Plant Growing Conditions

The green acer tree thrives in a sheltered outdoor position with partial shade, making it ideal for a patio, balcony, or small garden. Plant in moist, well-drained acidic soil or grow in a container using ericaceous compost. This compact green Japanese maple suits year-round interest planting schemes and is considered one of the best acers for container growing.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Acer palmatum


• Common Names: Japanese Maple, Green Japanese Maple


• Classification: Deciduous tree


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 2–4 m × 2–4 m (variety dependent)


• Growth Habit: Bushy, Rounded to Gently Spreading Deciduous Tree


• Perfect for: Patios, Containers, Small Gardens, Balconies, Borders


• Flowering Time: Spring (small, inconspicuous red-purple flowers)


• Autumn Interest: Spectacular shades of orange, red and gold


• Planting Position: Partial Shade to Full Sun (sheltered from strong winds)


• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil or ericaceous compost in containers


• Hardiness: Hardy (RHS H5) — protect roots from hard frost when young


• Type: Hardy Deciduous Tree


• Foliage: Deeply lobed, fresh green leaves turning vivid orange and red in autumn


• Attracts: Bees and early spring pollinators

Care Tips

• Water regularly to keep the compost evenly moist, especially during dry spells.


• Feed with a slow-release fertiliser formulated for acidic-soil lovers each spring.


• Minimal pruning is needed — remove dead or crossing branches in late autumn.


• Protect from strong winds and hard frost by mulching the root zone generously.


• Repot into a larger container every two to three years to encourage healthy growth.

Notes: This green leaf acer is supplied in a 3 litre nursery pot, ready for planting out or potting on into a decorative container using ericaceous compost.