Acer palmatum – Elegans

Description

Acer palmatum ‘Elegans’ – Laceleaf Japanese Maple

Graceful Weeping Form with Delicate Dissected Foliage and Brilliant Seasonal Colour

Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Elegans’

Common Name: Elegans Japanese Maple

Origin: Japan (cultivar of Japanese Maple)

Description:

Acer palmatum ‘Elegans’ is a finely textured, deciduous Japanese maple noted for its elegant, lace-like foliage and gentle weeping form. This cultivar displays deeply divided, feathery leaves that emerge in soft green with reddish tints in spring, transitioning to bright green in summer, and finishing the season with a vibrant mix of golden-yellow, orange and red tones in autumn.

With its cascading branches and finely dissected leaves, ‘Elegans’ brings a soft, flowing presence to any garden setting. It is ideal as a specimen tree, feature planting, or as part of Japanese, woodland, or shaded gardens, where its refined form and seasonal changes can be appreciated up close. It grows slowly and is naturally compact, making it suitable for smaller gardens and large containers.

This variety performs best in cool to temperate climates, with protection from hot, drying winds and harsh afternoon sun. It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil and benefits from consistent moisture throughout the growing season.

Specifications:

• Mature Height: 2.5 – 3.5 metres

• Mature Width: 2 – 3 metres

• Growth Habit: Mounded to slightly weeping, broad shape

• Foliage: Deeply dissected, lace-like; soft reddish-green in spring, bright green in summer, golden-orange to red in autumn

• Leaf Type: Dissected, fine texture

• Deciduous: Yes

• Flowers: Small, red-purple in spring (inconspicuous)

• Bark: Smooth, grey-brown

Position & Uses:

• Light Requirements: Dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon protection

• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils preferred

• Uses:

◦ Feature tree or focal point

◦ Shade or courtyard gardens

◦ Containers and raised planters

◦ Japanese and woodland gardens

◦ Accent in mixed borders

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Care & Maintenance:

• Mulch well to conserve moisture and protect roots

• Water regularly during dry periods

• Prune lightly in winter to maintain desired shape

• Avoid exposure to harsh wind and strong sunlight

Climate Suitability:

• Cool to temperate regions

• Frost hardy

• Not recommended for hot, dry inland areas without protection

Key Features:

• Finely dissected foliage for soft texture

• Compact weeping form ideal for small spaces

• Spectacular autumn colour

• Excellent for decorative containers or feature planting

Bring softness and structure to your garden with the graceful charm of Acer palmatum ‘Elegans’, now available at Blerick Tree Farm.