Burgundy Lime Japanese Maple

For a sophisticated, unique maple, look no further than the Burgundy Lime Japanese Maple. It has the classic deeply-cut lobes experts call ‘dissectum’, with 7 long lobes separated to the base of the leaf, each one with irregular serrations along its edges. The basic leaf coloring is shades of soft pink to deep burgundy, with green veins, but the exact colors vary with the seasons, climate, and amount of sun exposure. The more sun the darker the red, but watering, nutrients and other factors also play a part. So you will have an ever-changing display, but one that is always beautiful. In fall it will reliably turn to brilliant orange-reds, oranges and golds, but again somewhat influenced by sun-exposure and night temperatures. Growing at a moderate rate it will be around 8 feet tall within a decade, and probably mature at around twice that, with a similar spread, so consider that when choosing a planting spot. It can also be grown in a pot or handsome tub, left outdoors year-round from zones 7 or 8, where it will be smaller, but just as gorgeous. A perfect choice for a Japanese-themed garden, in almost any style of garden, and for a exquisite bonsai tree.

• Deeply-dissected leaves are shades or red with green veins
• Fall colors are brilliant orange-reds, oranges and golds
• Leaf colors are influenced by sun-exposure, climate and soil conditions
• Upright, spreading form, ultimately to 15 feet tall and wide
• Ideal for open woodlands gardens and partial shade

Grow the Burgundy Lime Japanese Maple with as much sun as you can manage, considering it needs cool, moist earth. Some afternoon shade is ideal, but too much will reduce the brilliance of the leaf colors. It will also grow in the light, broken shade beneath deciduous trees, but some direct sun is always good. Grow it in rich, moist soil that is also well-drained, and acidic soils are somewhat preferred. Add plenty of rich compost when planting, use more for mulch, and water regularly. Although deer might take a nibble, they rarely cause much harm, and pests or diseases are rare – growing conditions are the main influence on success with these trees. Remove lower branches early in life, if you want a more tree-like form, as this avoids scarring the beautiful trunk. Trimming is usually not needed, but removing some of the internal branches gives a more mature look to a younger tree.