The 3 Litre Red Acer Tree is a stunning Japanese Maple, celebrated for its deeply palmate, star-shaped foliage that emerges in rich red and deepens to vivid crimson and flame tones as the season progresses. A naturally slow-growing ornamental tree, it brings year-round structure and exceptional seasonal colour to gardens of all sizes. Whether placed on a patio, positioned in a border, or grown as a centrepiece container plant, this red-leaved Japanese Maple is one of the most versatile and rewarding small garden trees available.
Plant Growing Conditions:
This red acer tree thrives in dappled shade or gentle sunlight — avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the delicate foliage. Plant in well-draining soil enriched with quality compost, and ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. A naturally slow-growing garden tree, the Japanese Maple is equally at home as a patio container specimen or planted directly in a garden border. Apply appropriate frost protection during colder months to keep your ornamental tree thriving year-round.
Cultural Information:
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Botanical Name: Acer palmatum (red-leaved cultivar)
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Common Names: Japanese Maple, Red Japanese Maple, Red Acer
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Classification: Deciduous Tree / Large Shrub
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Fully Grown Height & Spread: 2–4 m × 2–4 m (slow-growing; variety dependent)
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Growth Habit: Bushy, Rounded, Elegantly Branched Deciduous Tree
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Perfect for: Patio Containers, Small Gardens, Borders, Japanese Garden Designs, Ornamental Collections
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Flowering Time: Spring (small, inconspicuous purple-red flowers)
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Autumn Interest: Outstanding — foliage intensifies to vivid red, orange and scarlet before leaf fall
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Planting Position: Dappled Shade to Gentle Partial Sun (shelter from harsh midday sun and cold, drying winds)
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Soil Type: Moist, Well-Drained, Humus-Rich; tolerates most soils; prefers slightly acidic conditions
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Type: Hardy Deciduous Tree (may benefit from frost protection in exposed or very cold sites)
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Foliage: Deeply Palmate, Star-Shaped Leaves in Rich Red-Purple, intensifying through the season
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Care Level: Low Maintenance — ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike
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Key Care Tips: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring; carry out light pruning in late autumn; repot container-grown specimens every two to three years using fresh compost; mulch around the base in winter and shelter from hard frosts
What's Included:
- 1 x Red Acer Tree (Japanese Maple) supplied in a 3 litre nursery pot, ready to pot on or plant out
Notes: This plant is supplied as a red-leaved Japanese Maple in a nursery pot, ready to plant. As with all living plants, exact leaf shape and shade of red may vary slightly by individual specimen and season.