Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ (Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ is a miniature deciduous shrub with pretty foliage of small, sharply lobed leaves that emerge bright red in spring and mature to rich purple-red throughout the summer. The attractive foliage turns bright scarlet in the fall before shedding to the ground. A very vigorous sport of famed Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’, it features a narrow, upright habit and is ideal for containers or small gardens.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall and wide (120-180 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.
• 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.