Acero Giapponese A Foglia di Ventaglio

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Sapindaceae

Order

Sapindales

Genus

Acer

Species

japonicum

Description

A deciduous, perennial tree with an upright habit, growing up to 8 metres tall. Its landscape value lies in the elegance and sinuous shape of its crown, which bears leaves with a distinctive palmate shape; the colour of these leaves varies depending on the variety and takes on vibrant hues during a fascinating process of autumnal foliage change. It adapts to a range of soil and climate conditions, though it prefers light, organic-rich soils and sunny positions.

Varietal description

The ‘japonicum’ maple, with its fan-shaped leaves, differs from the ‘palmatum’ in its characteristic open leaf with numerous lobes arranged, as the name suggests, in a fan-like pattern. Native to Japan, it is a complex species that varies considerably in leaf shape and colour. Its leaves come in red, green and variegated colours. The leaf has between 5 and 7 lobes arranged in a spreading pattern; they are lanceolate, sometimes very pointed and ending in a fine tip; the margins are serrated or doubly serrated. These are upright trees with a rounded crown and a broad, open canopy, or a cascading or ‘weeping’ crown. They can reach heights of up to 7–8 metres. They are very hardy, robust and adapt to a wide variety of climatic and growing conditions. Japanese maples grow in various types of soil and can be found at altitudes of up to 1,300 metres. There are grafted varieties that form a weeping canopy. They are mainly used for ornamental purposes in gardens, on terraces, in parks and in planters. They can be grown either in the ground or in pots of a size suitable for the species. They are also widely cultivated as bonsai (i.e. potted plants).

curiosity and special features

It is also widely cultivated as bonsai.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to central and northern Japan; it is now found in Europe in a wide range of cultivars and varieties that differ in terms of crown shape, as well as leaf size and colour.

Leaf

Acer japonicum differsfrom Acer pamatum in its characteristic open leaf with numerous lobes arranged in a delicate fan-like pattern; more specifically, the leaf has athread-like, palmate blade with between 5 and 7 lobes, spread out, lanceolate, sometimes very sharp and ending in a fine point; the margins are serrated or double-serrated.

Leaf color

Depending on the variety , the leaf may be solid-coloured or variegated.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 6 metres, depending on growing conditions and variety; in general, it is a medium-sized tree.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous tree.

Suggested planting locations

Due to its size and developed habit, it is suitable as a plant for flowerbeds, planters, gardens and parks, rock gardens, large flowerbeds and roundabouts, large pots, terraces

Stem/stem

The trunk is woodywith smooth bark.

Growth

A tree with medium to vigorous growth. The crown develops continuously during the early stages, with semi-woody branches; subsequently, lignification is stable and the tree retains its established shape.

Plant habit

The habitus is erect with a rounded top and wide open crown or 'weeping'.

branching

It develops Medium branching.

pH

It requires a soil or substrate pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

soil preparation

For early winter planting, choose the most suitable location, taking into account the plant’s requirements. Use a spade to dig a planting hole proportionate to the size of the root ball, working in organic matter and spreading a layer of commercial potting compost approximately 5–10 cm thick over the surface. We recommend using stakes and clips for tying the plant.

sun exposure

Suitable for locations indappled shade or full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C.

Use

The elegance of its form and the colour of its foliage giveAcer japonicum a prominent role in:

Outdoor ornamental settings Outdoor landscape design Interior landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

A plant of moderate hardiness, it tolerates a variety of climatic and growing conditions.

Soil/medium

It adapts to a variety of soil conditions; however, the ideal soil for healthy growth is of medium texture, light, well-drained and rich in organic matter. For growing in pots, choose a potting compost rich in organic matter.

Maintenance

Once the Japanese maple has become well-established at its new planting site, it is easy to cultivate, requiring a moderate level of maintenance.

cultivation tips

Below are some specific tips and cultivation practices to promote better vegetative growth:

Avoid over-watering Exposure to direct sunlight Prune correctly Requires little but regular fertiliser

planting

When transplanting, aim for an average density of 2,000 plants per hectare, selecting healthy specimens free from abiotic and biotic stress. Always identify the planting site in advance, taking into account the growing conditions required by the species, in accordance with the principle of ‘the right plant in the right place’. Transplant the young plant into potting compost or loose, light soil that is not frozen, to encourage root development. It is advisable to place the root ball in the pre-dug planting hole, ensuring it is well compacted around the roots and keeping the plant’s collar above ground level; finally, water after planting without causing waterlogging.

pruning

Do not prune young plants during the first few years after planting, whether they are grown in pots or in the ground.

In winter, during the dormant period, carry out proper formative pruning according to the plant’s size, the desired shape and the spread of the crown; guide the branches using stakes if necessary to support small and weak branches.

Pruning should be carried out to give the plant its final shape and remove weak parts; it can be trained as a small tree or with multiple branches to create a shrub or small tree with a broad crown.

Indiscriminate cutting of the trunk and branches through ‘pollarding’, as well as altering the plant’s natural habit, leads to reduced resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors and increases the risk of the entire plant collapsing.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is by layering, cuttings and seed.

potting

If grown in a pot or planter, the potting compost should be replaced every two years, or at the very least supplemented with fresh potting compost and organic fertilisers.

Irrigation

The Japanese maple requires consistent but moderate watering, even several times a week if the weather is very hot. If possible, place it in a partially shaded spot, as whilst it enjoys direct sunlight, its leaves – with their fine, delicate tips – can become dehydrated. Keep the potting mix or soil slightly moist at all times, ensuring it neither becomes waterlogged nor dries out completely.

Fertilization

When transplanting, apply a base dressing by incorporating organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser, specifically designed for ornamental plants, into the soil. Once the plant has become well-established in its new location, if grown as a garden plant, it should be fertilised in spring and early summer with a complex, iron-rich fertiliser.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

advise 1

If the plants are grown in pots or planters, the soil must be renewed every two years or at least new soil and organic fertilisers must be added. If the plants are grown in the garden, fertilise abundantly in spring and early summer with a complex, iron-rich fertiliser. Avoid water stagnation under the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.