The Japanese maple is. the Horticultural Trades Association’s ‘Plant of the Moment’ for April – a perfect choice of tree for any compact or courtyard garden.

Points for the information desk:

• Japanese maples will put on a show throughout the year, starting as soon as foliage unfurls in spring and continuing until their autumn transformation into shades of gold and bronze before they eventually fall.
• Many acers are commonly called Japanese maples, but their parents could be derived from several different species including Acer japonicum, Acer palmatum, Acer shirasawanum or others.
• The natural shape and growing habit of their branches make Japanese maples an ideal choice for gardens or growing in large patio pots. Leaf shapes, sizes and colours vary immensely; many have a broad palm shape, but these are often divided and dissected into the most delicate and intricate forms.  Add to this their wide range of colours, from deep greens to yellow, gold, purple or even variegated patterns and you have huge variety to choose from. 

Top varieties

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

A.palmatum ‘Osakazuki’  

A.palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’

Golden Shirasawanum maple  (Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’, pictured)

Top tips for your information hand-out

· Choose a sheltered site where trees are protected from late spring frosts, cold winds and scorching summer sun.

· Maples prefer well-drained soil containing plenty of compost to lock in moisture and ensure the ground never dries out.

·For growing in containers choose large and stable terracotta pots with several drainage holes in their base. Line pots with a sheet of plastic before filling with compost to reduce water loss through the sides.

Planting combinations

Japanese maples need space to flourish. Partners to consider include

Azalea, ferns, flowering cherries and plums (prunus varieties), hydrangeas and wisteria.

Visit www.the-hta.org.uk/plantofthemoment for more information and to download the media pack which features: plant information for each month including top plants, tips and companion plant ideas, high and low resolution photos, plus Point-of-Sale samples from Floramedia and Hortipak.

[Photo - ©Adam Pasco Media]