September 2010 Japanese Maples by Judy Alleruzzo Fall is nearly upon us, and with it brings all the splendid colors of the changing nature. Maple trees are one of the wonders that immediately come to my mind when I think of these changes; scenes of Maples with their beautiful, fall-colored leaves of gold, red and orange. The Sugar Maple trees being tapped for syrup; huge trees with a canopy of green just right for sitting under to en- joy some cool summer shade. These are images that many people picture in their minds, but what about Japanese Maple trees? These trees conjure up completely different images and emotions of exotic gardens, serene vistas and sacred sites. There is something almost other worldly about Japanese Maples. These maples have a wide spectrum of habit, leaf shape and color. Many varieties look like a piece of art, both when their branches are full with leaves as well as when they are barren of leaves in the winter time. Some Japanese Maples have char- treuse or deep burgundy foliage all season long, rather than solely in the fall; while other varieties have so finely textured leaves that they look like lace. There are over an astounding 1000 known varieties of this species, many known as Acer palmatum. Native to Japan, these plants first arrived in England during the 1820s. Gardeners all over the world have embraced these beautiful specimens, and for good reason. They have made their way into our hearts, our homes and our gardens. We have planted them in gardens, containers and even have learned to miniaturize their beauty through the art of bonsai. Japanese Maple trees are as beautiful in winter as they are in summer. A way to insure that their best sides are dis- played is through selective pruning. This practice will bring out the architectural beauty of your maple’s branches. In the late winter, once all of the leaves are gone, is when you will find it is the ideal time to shape your Japanese Maple and reveal this hidden piece of art. On the other end of the pruning spectrum is the art of Bonsai. In this practice, Japa- nese Maples are pruned to remain small. Bonsai masters and enthusiasts train Japanese Maples to live in a small container. While the trees follow the four seasons, they stay in miniature. These Japanese Maples are only a few of the many wonderful trees to add to your collec- tion, or to start it with: Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ - Lion’s Head Japanese Maple True to its common name, A. ‘Shishigashira’ has small leaves very tightly arranged along its branches that look like tufts of fur. This tree form is very unique. The foliage is bright green through spring and summer, and then turns to gold and red in the fall. This tree September 2010 Japanese Maples...continued grows to be 7-15 feet within 10-12 years. Lion’s Head Japanese Maple can be found as a single or multi-trunk tree. Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’ - Full Moon Japanese Maple Whether planted in the ground or a container in shade, Full Moon Japanese Maple glows! It is stunning. The leaves of this Japanese Maple are bright chartreuse in the spring and then darken to yellow-green in the summer. The fall color of the Full Moon is gold with a red leaf margin. The tree will grow about 6 feet in 10 years and then tops off at around 30 feet when mature. The light color foliage dictates that this tree is able to be grown in shade or dappled shade. Hot, afternoon sun will burn its leaves. Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’ - ‘Butterfly’ Japanese Maple The ‘Butterfly’ Japanese Maple is a whimsical addition to any landscape or container. This tree always makes you smile because of the swirl of multi- colored foliage of gray-green, white & pink. The finely dissected foliage is an added bonus! This maple can grow to 10 feet in as many years. Fall color can range from perfect peach to dramatic red. In order to preserve the beauty of the ‘Butterfly’ Japanese Maple protect it from hot, late-afternoon sun. Ignite your passion for these exotic trees by discovering the wide spectrum of Japanese Maple varieties..