Acer palmatum Fireglow

The strong, five or seven lobed leaves are beautifully symmetrical and are held on red stalks. The new foliage is a pinky-red, turning a deep red colour during the spring and for most of the summer, only taking on a greenish tinge as the autumn approaches. The flowers are ruddy-purple like the leaves, the fruits are also red; all in all making this tree an attractive sight, particularly with the sun shining through the leaves. The final leaf colour change is to a deep purple-red before the leaves eventually fall. 

Acer palmatum is almost wholly endemic to Japan and is the most variable of all the acer species with some named cultivars originating from the wild and others in cultivation. The accurate naming of the plants is an area of much confusion, and a lot of work is being done to tidy up the taxonomy of the species.  

Acers are widespread across the Japanese Islands and occur over a huge range of soils and conditions. They tend not to be gross feeders and the use of a balanced rose fertiliser or slow-release pellets applied lightly in spring seems to be sufficient. They have shallow and fibrous root balls so are pretty good in pots. 

Acers can be pruned and it is better to start shaping the plant while young as the smaller the pruning wound the sooner it heals. Larger stems should be pruned when the trees are dormant well before the sap rises in the spring. Good hygiene of tools and equipment is always essential to avoid spread of disease.