Acer | Heijnen Plants

600cm

Acer davidii Père David's maple

15^55From

400cm

Acer griseum Paperbark maple

23^95From

400cm

Acer palmatum Japanese maple

52^70From

400cm

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Purple Japanese maple

55^10From

300cm

Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' Japanese maple

23^95From

Buy Acer

The Acer genus, commonly known as maple, is a collection of versatile and aesthetically diverse plants. These deciduous shrubs and trees are celebrated for their stunning foliage that morphs through a palette of colors with the changing seasons. With their ability to flourish in a variety of soil types and their minimal pruning requirements, maples are a favored choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscape with vibrant color and graceful form.

Key Features

Maples are adorned with a remarkable set of characteristics that cater to a wide range of gardening and landscaping needs:

The Acer genus boasts an array of colorful flowers in hues of yellow, green, white, red, and pink, typically blooming in the spring months of May, April, and June.
Their foliage is a true spectacle, presenting an ever-changing display from green, bronze, red, cream, to variegated tones in spring and summer, transitioning to fiery oranges, yellows, and reds come autumn.
Maples can be utilized in various settings, including as solitary focal points, in border compositions, group plantings, or even in pots for those with limited space.
They thrive in both sunny and partially shaded locations, demonstrating their adaptability to different garden aspects.
Stem colors too remain dynamic throughout the year, with shades of green, white, brown, and orange persisting even in winter, contributing to the garden's visual interest during the colder months.

Tips

When planting an Acer, ensure it is situated in well-drained soil to promote healthy growth.
Despite their average water needs, maples are not drought-resistant; regular watering during dry periods will help maintain their vigor.
Propagation can be achieved through various methods, including grafting, softwood cuttings, seed sowing, and layering, providing opportunities for gardeners to expand their collection.
Bearing in mind that maples do not require extensive pruning, any necessary trimming should be carried out with care to maintain the natural shape and structure of the plant.
Fertilize maples in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to encourage robust growth and an even more impressive display of foliage and flowers.
While maples are relatively low maintenance, monitoring for any changes in leaf color or health outside of the normal seasonal transitions can help detect potential issues early on.

Types

Embrace the changing seasons with the resplendent maple, a tree renowned for its striking foliage that captures the essence of autumn's palette. From the distinctive snakebark of Acer davidii to the vibrant reds of Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', and the delicate variegation of Acer palmatum 'Butterfly', each species offers a unique display of color and form. Adorn your landscape with these living tapestries, and enjoy a year-round spectacle of natural beauty.

Originating from the vast woodlands of China, the Acer davidii, commonly known as Père David's maple or snake-bark maple, is a deciduous tree celebrated for its ornamental value. It boasts distinctive, striated bark reminiscent of serpentine patterns and unfolds its beauty in May with modest yellow flowers. This maple is highly valued in horticulture for its unique bark texture and the vibrant color it adds to landscapes, making it an exquisite choice for garden enthusiasts seeking to introduce an element of exotic charm and natural elegance to their collections.
The Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', commonly referred to as the purple Japanese maple, is a coveted ornamental tree that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its richly colored leaves range from deep burgundy to subtle crimson, creating a striking contrast against the softer tones of its delicate flowers, which bloom in May and June. This variety of Japanese maple is cherished for its dramatic foliage and the serene ambiance it imparts, making it an ideal focal point for an array of landscape designs.
The Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is a particularly enchanting variety of Japanese maple. Admired for its delicate variegated foliage, this cultivar presents a tapestry of green and white leaves, accented with hints of pink during the spring months. While it does not boast a profusion of flowers, its subtle green and white blossoms in April and May add a demure charm. The Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is a splendid choice for those seeking to create a serene and picturesque setting in their garden.

Ideal placement of a Acer

Thriving in locations that offer full sun to partial shade, the Acer species is adaptable to a variety of well-drained soil types. Although it possesses a robust nature, the plant benefits from a position that provides shelter from the harshest winds to protect its delicate foliage. An ideal location might also include a backdrop that accentuates its striking seasonal color transformations, from the vivid greens and bronzes of spring and summer to the fiery oranges, yellows, and reds of autumn. Adequate spacing to accommodate its mature size will ensure the Acer has enough room for growth and optimal air circulation.

Planting a Acer

When planting the Acer, it's essential to choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade to accommodate its light requirements. The soil should be well-drained, but the species is adaptable to various soil types. Upon planting, ensure the root ball is at soil level and backfill with a mix of native soil and compost to provide a good growing medium. Regular watering will help establish the plant, especially during dry spells, as it is not drought-resistant. Space the shrubs according to their mature size to allow for proper air circulation and growth, and to create an appealing landscape presence.

Fertilising a Acer

To ensure the vitality and robust health of your shrubs, fertilization plays a pivotal role. It is essential to provide the Acer species with a balanced fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs, which should be applied in early spring to support the onset of growth. A slow-release formula is ideal, as it gradually provides nutrients over the growing season, encouraging the development of lush foliage and vibrant colors. It is important to follow the recommended dosage on the product label to avoid over-fertilization, which can be detrimental. After the initial spring feeding, monitor the growth and condition of the plant, and if necessary, a second application can be made in early summer. Always water thoroughly after fertilizing to help distribute the nutrients into the soil.

Pruning a Acer

Pruning is generally minimal for Acer species, focusing on maintaining their natural shape and removing any dead or damaged limbs. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Lightly thin out overcrowded branches to enhance the structure and allow light to penetrate the canopy. It is important to avoid heavy pruning as it can stimulate excessive new growth, which may not harden before winter. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and minimize stress to the plant.

Watering a Acer

This species thrives with consistent moisture, particularly during its active growth phase in the spring and early summer months. It's crucial to ensure that the soil remains well-drained yet moist, avoiding both waterlogging and dry spells. During periods of drought or extreme heat, additional irrigation may be necessary to maintain soil hydration. It is recommended to check the moisture level regularly and water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. Sufficient water supports not only the lush foliage but also the vibrant seasonal color transitions that these plants are known for.

The characteristics of a Acer

Maples, cultivated in pots, offer exceptional versatility in landscape design, able to be strategically placed to enhance aesthetic appeal. Their canopy provides a natural sun filter, creating a serene, dappled shade beneath. It's also worth noting that Acer leaves undergo a striking transformation in autumn, with foliage turning breathtaking shades of red, orange, and yellow, elevating the ambiance of any garden setting during the fall season.

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