Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum Bloodgood

• Position: partial shade or full sun (but not south-facing)
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained neutral to acid soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Flowering period: April to May
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This upright Japanese maple is one ofthe best purple-leaved varieties. It has deeply cut, dark red-purple leaves that turn bright red in autumn and tiny purple-red spring flowers. Try it as a focal point in a small, contemporary or minimalist garden, where the intensity of the autumn colour can really sing. It needs a sheltered spot, away from strong winds or all-day sunshine.
  
  
• Garden care: Add a top-dressing of a multi-purpose fertiliser around the base of ta newly planted tree in late spring and keep well watered. No routine pruning is necessary. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in April when the plant is in full growth.