Acer Trees To Grow With Gardening Tips

Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Real Men Sow

The garden’s focal point is the Acer, especially in autumn, when their leaves change to stunning shades of red, yellow, crimson and orange. Many Acer trees can be slow-growing and compact making them great trees for small gardens. You can grow acers in a container, as a standalone specimen, as part of a border, or as a large container.

What’s important when growing Acer trees?

When growing acers, the most important thing is to provide a safe environment. Protect them from the elements, including frosts and winds, by covering them with fleece during winter. Acer trees can tolerate all soils, except for very heavy clay.

9 Acer Trees To Start Growing

Acer palmatum

Has autumn foliage turns yellow, orange, and red. Plant in a sunny spot that is protected from the heat and late frosts. A neutral to acid soil will give you the best results. The tree can grow to 6 meters.

Bloodgood

Acer palmatum “Bloodgood” holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit. It is a vigorous variety that turns scarlet in the autumn. You can plant it in a sunny spot or partially shaded area that is well protected from the cold winds. The tree can reach 5 meters in height.

Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Seiryu’

This stunning variety’s leaves turn brilliant crimson in the autumn. You should plant it in a well-drained, moist soil. Avoid direct sunlight and cold winds. The tree can reach 7 meters in height.

Kagiri-nishiki

A variegated Japanese maple that bears deep-lobed, mid-green leaves with pink margins and pinkish-colored veins throughout the summer, is a variegated Japanese maple. In autumn, the leaves turn crimson gold. Plant in full sun or partial shade and protect against strong winds. Trees can reach 4 meters in height

Acer rubrum ‘Northwood’

A beautiful native maple. Its dark green leaves turn to brilliant red in the autumn. You can grow it as an ornamental tree in a large to medium-sized garden. The tree can reach 18 meters in height.

Acer henryi

A small tree that is native to China, is rarely grown in Britain. The leaves are divided into three leaflets that turn an orange-red color before they fall in autumn. Plant the tree in a sunny spot with dappled or full sun. The tree can reach 3.5 meters in height.

Beni-otake

A medium-sized Japanese maple. It has deep red-purple leaves from spring through summer and becomes green as it matures. The autumn leaves become a deep crimson. It is more sensitive to the sun than other acers. It can grow to 4 meters.

Little Princess Acer Tree

Turns yellow-orange in autumn. Because of its compact growth rate and slow growth, ‘Little Princess” is a great Japanese maple choice for small gardens or patio pots. You can grow it in full sun or partial shade. It can grow to 1.5 meters.

Atropurpureum

A round-headed and has lobed, red-purple foliage that turns brilliant red in the autumn. Plant in a sunny spot or partially shaded area. Protect from the cold winds. The tree can grow to 8 meters.

Tips To Care For Acer Trees 

  • Position: prefer moist, well-drained soil in a protected spot. Varieties with golden leaves prefer shade.
  • Care: Only light pruning is necessary, but ensure that green shoots from variegated varieties are removed. Japanese maples love a spring mulch every year.
  • Hardiness: All acers are at minimum frost-hardy. However, sudden freezes may damage new shoots
Real Men Sow
Real Men Sow

Hello, I’m Pete and I’m currently based in the west of Scotland, in a small place called Rosneath, where I’m exploring my garden adventures. I personally started gardening around 6 years ago and initially, I started out by growing my favorite fruits and berries, such as strawberries, Raspberries & Gooseberries. Since then I’ve added a lot of vegetables and working closely with my neighbor, it’s been a lot of fun.