Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ (Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ is a small deciduous tree of bushy habit with rich purple leaves in the spring, becoming deeper in summer. The delicate foliage holds its color throughout summer and turns brilliant scarlet in the fall. Each leaf is divided into 5-7 lobes, moderately deeply divided lobes. Vigorous, this upright maple tree stands out in the landscape and is suitable as a focal point or the perfect foil for a mass of green in the landscape.

Maple trees belong to the Sapindaceae family, which includes several popular ornamental trees such as Japanese Maple(Acer palmatum), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), and Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum).

• Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (450-750 cm) and 20 ft. wide (600 cm).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. A lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch.
• Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or Japanese gardens and containers.
• Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
• Tolerant to black walnut (Juglans nigra)
• It may be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
• Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings.
• Acer palmatum is native to Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia, and southeast Russia.