Acer palmatum – Red Pygmy

Description

Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’ – Narrow-Leaved Japanese Maple

Elegant Thread-Like Foliage with Rich Burgundy Tones and Compact Growth Habit

Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’

Common Name: Red Pygmy Japanese Maple

Origin: Cultivar of Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) – Japan

Description:

Acer ‘Red Pygmy’ is a striking, slow-growing deciduous maple prized for its finely dissected, strap-like foliage and rich seasonal colour. This elegant cultivar features narrow, linear leaves that emerge deep burgundy-red in spring, retain warm reddish-bronze tones through summer, and shift to vibrant orange and crimson hues in autumn.

Its compact, upright growth habit with a naturally rounded shape makes ‘Red Pygmy’ an excellent choice for small gardens, courtyards, bonsai, or as a standout feature in Japanese or woodland-style plantings. The fine texture of the foliage offers a soft, graceful contrast to broader-leaved plants and is particularly eye-catching when backlit.

‘Red Pygmy’ performs best in cool to temperate climates and benefits from a sheltered position away from strong wind and harsh afternoon sun. It is well-suited to containers, raised beds, or shaded feature plantings where its form and colour can be appreciated up close.

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Specifications:

• Mature Height: 2 – 3 metres

• Mature Width: 2 – 3 metres

• Growth Habit: Upright, rounded, compact form

• Foliage: Narrow, strap-like lobes; red in spring, bronze in summer, orange to scarlet in autumn

• Leaf Type: Linear-lobed (dissected), fine texture

• Deciduous: Yes

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

• Bark: Smooth, greyish-brown

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Position & Uses:

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

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

• Uses:

• Feature or specimen tree

• Small garden accent

• Containers and courtyard planting

• Japanese or woodland gardens

• Bonsai

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Care & Maintenance:

• Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots

• Water regularly, especially during dry periods

• Prune lightly in winter to maintain form if required

• Protect from hot winds and late spring frosts

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Climate Suitability:

• Best in cool to temperate zones

• Frost-tolerant

• Not suitable for exposed, dry or high heat locations

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Key Features:

• Unique narrow, ribbon-like foliage

• Compact size ideal for small gardens

• Excellent seasonal colour

• Graceful form with year-round interest

Add fine texture and rich seasonal colour to your landscape with Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’, now available at Blerick Tree Farm.