Acer Palmatum Little Red Japanese Maple

Acer Palmatum Little Red is a new Japanese Maple variety with bright red vivid leaves and upright growth habit. This is an ideal tree for smaller gardens. It can also be grown in large well-watered plant containers.

Japanese Maples are native to Japan, and many cultivars are bred across the world. A relatively new arrival is Japanese Maple Little Red which rivals Acer Bloodgood for its scarlet shades but remains much smaller tree reaching max. 2.5 metres in height. One of Little Red’s best attributes is its upright habit. Acers tend to spread, but Acer Little Red remains erect as it matures.

Its foliage is red, but the shades change according to the season. In spring they are stunning bright red before maturing to deep maroon over the summer months. The transformation from bright red to maroon is gradual, creating a creeping pattern of light and dark red on its palmate leaves. When autumn arrives, expect good autumn colour as the foliage returns to bright fiery red before falling with the frosts.

This is an excellent choice for Japanese themed gardens, small gardens in general and plant containers as it grows upwards not outwards.

Height And Spread of Acer Palmatum Little Red
Japanese Maple Little Red lives up to its name reaching a maximum of 2.5 upright metres by 1 metre over 10 years.

How Hardy Is Acer Palmatum Little Red
If grown in well-drained soil in a sheltered spot this small acer is hardy across the UK down to freezing temperatures. Pests are rarely a bother.

How To Use Acer Palmatum Little Red
This is a good choice for low-maintenance back-to-mid border spots that need some fiery red statement colour throughout the year.
It looks good mixed with other acer shades such as orange dream and summer gold, and particularly suits Japanese-themed gardens or modern urban developments where every metre of outdoor space counts.
Due to its small size, it will grow happily in a well-watered and fed container on a balcony or patio filling the space up with blazing colour.
Acers are versatile shrubs or small trees with good autumn colour that fit into the majority of outside spaces. If your garden is small, then Little Red is definitely worth considering.

How To Care For Acer Palmatum Little Red
Japanese Maple Little Red grows best in sheltered, partially sunny spots such as wall-side east or west-facing borders. It can tolerate most types of well-drained soil and needs little care.
Regular pruning is not advisable as it may ruin the shape, but crossed or damaged branches can be cut out in the winter months.
Water well until established and cover the roots in thick organic mulch before spring. Container-grown acers need plenty of water and a weekly liquid feed during the growing season.