GardenWizzPlant Care Card

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum · Shrub

Hardiness
H6 Hardy — very cold winter (to −15 to −20°C)
Position
Full sun, Partial shade
Height × Spread
4–8 m × 4–8 m
Soil
well-drained, fertile soil; sandy, slightly acidic soil preferred; contains plenty of organic matter
Flowering
April–May
Toxicity
No specific toxicity is listed by the RHS. This is not a guarantee of safety — check with a vet or the ASPCA before pets or children eat any plant.

The Gardening Year

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
🌱 Sow
🪴 Plant out
🌸 In flower
✂️ Prune

Watch out for

Leaf scorch: Ensure consistent soil moisture in summer and provide partial shade to protect foliage from harsh sunlight.

Verticillium wilt: Remove and destroy infected plants immediately; avoid replanting maples in the same soil for several years.

Aphids: Spray off with a strong jet of water or treat with insecticidal soap or natural predators like ladybirds.

Honey fungus: Improve drainage and avoid deep mulching near the stem; severe cases may require removal of the tree.

Acer gall mite: Prune out affected branches if severe; generally cosmetic and rarely requires chemical intervention.

Full guide: gardenwizz.com/plants/japanese-maple © GardenWizz — UK gardening encyclopedia