Acer shirasawanum 'AUREUM'

Japanese maples are the créme de la créme of every garden. They are compact, dense shrubs or majestic looking small trees. Every garden can have one without a need for simulating Japanese garden style. Currently, there are numerous varieties in the market but we prefer to stick with the old-time favourites that proved to do well in our climate.

“Aureum” is variety that differs from others by its more or less erect growth with horizontal lateral branches. The fan-shaped leaves are fresh yellow-green to golden yellow, sometimes with pinkish margins. The other difference is fruit: Acer shirasawanum holds its samaras above the foliage, while on acer palmatum they (at least eventually) hang down.

It grows medium slowly, a mature tree can reach 4m in many decades. We recommend planting it in semi-shade or filtered sun as it tends to get sunburnt in full sunlight. If you, however, wish to plant it in full sun make sure the roots are mulched with a thick layer of bark and provide extra watering in summer. It needs light, acidic, well drained soil that will retain moisture. If you feel you need to feed it, use balanced, slow-release fertilizers only.

It can be trimmed or shaped, the best time to do so is from May until June, or end July for bonsai makers. My feeling is that it is best to leave it with no pruning at all so it can show its irregular growth which makes each one an unrepeatable original. Plants older than 3-5 years (wood maturity pending) are fully hardy to about -26°C (USDA zone 6).

Last update 20-12-2007