ACER PALMATUM DISSECTUM 'ORNATUM'

When I first moved into the home where I live now, I bought a Japanese maple, Acer palmatum dissectum atropurpureum 'Garnet' and kept it in partial shade, in what I thought was a sheltered position.  However, as much as I tried to protect it, its leaves got burned by the wind and it ultimately died.  I could not help but wonder about that because when I had a bigger garden, I grew Japanese maples so easily despite reading that they could be difficult.  I am going to try again.  This time I have bought Acer palmatum dissectum 'Ornatum'.  I have planted it in a terracotta pot and stuck it in a sunnier aspect of the garden in the 90 degree angle between two fencing panels. 

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Ornatum' - 26 April 2014

As you can see the leaves of Acer palmatum dissectum' Ornatum' are finely dissected and a beautiful colour which change to golden orange in autumn.  It has a weeping habit, is fully hardy, and achieves a height of 1.4m and spread of 1.6m in 10 years.  On the label it says it tolerates full sun or partial shade.  I have a feeling that full sun might scorch it but I'm going to try it out and see.  The Japanese maples in my former garden were fine leaved and they tolerated full sun without problems.  In the position it is in now, my new Japanese maple is going to be more protected from wind which I think is important.  The growing medium tolerated is acid-neutral. 



I love the way the branches twist and turn and look so delicate.  I do hope it survives.

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Ornatum'

Weeping Japanese Maples always remind me of bonsai trees.





Acer palmatum dissectum Atropurpureum 'Garnet'

Photo (c) JParker.co.uk.