Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Glove Green’

Diaphanous is an adjective usually reserved for fabrics but in this instance I cannot think of a more apt and encapsulating description for this acer. With a lively and feathery textured fretwork that flutters and trembles, the foliage of this acer is bright green in spring and summer. As the leaves become a rich and delicious butter yellow in the autumn they will contrast beautifully against your evergreen planting. These delicate features of structure, colour and movement make this acer a fantastic addition to your garden, or part of a new design, or as a very worthy singular focal point. With a variety of different ways to plant and display, this is another one of our acers that is very adaptable. Pot it, and highlight the sculptural qualities of its stem and floaty-light canopy, plant mid-ground to bring light and softness to a complimentary structured scheme, or for a dollop of frothy verdure plant one (or three) in a garden space all of their own. Maybe you’ve got a pagoda or atrium in mind - there’s definitely always a place for this tree. Upright and deciduous, with a rounded shape reaching roughly 4m x 4m over 20 years.

The common name of this one is something of a mystery. Perhaps it’s the brilliant green pigment of those early fine leaves which reminds me of the vivid dyes and precise embroidery techniques used historically in the manufacture of extravagant Italian religious liturgical gloves. Woven in silk with needles of only 2mm. Could there be a link - who knows? What we can confidently assert is that this tree is definitely not a passing Pontifical fashion trend but most certainly is utterly diaphanous. Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Glove Green’ has its own gracefully architectural form and character - and we love it.

Best in dappled shade out of strong winds, on an acid to neutral soil that is moist but well drained. The shallow and fibrous root system benefits from a mulch. Prune for health if necessary.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.