Acer palmatum ‘Skeeters Broom’

Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ was a mutation that was spotted some 50 years ago, by Edward ‘Skeeter’ Rodd in his Raraflora Nursery in Pennsylvania. A specimen of Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ had developed a witches’-broom growth with particularly long leaves. Skeeter Rodd collected this and propagated from it, so we are now able to enjoy this slender variety that rarely exceeds 2m in height.

Like on its parent plant the 5 or 7 fingered leaves are deeply lobed, emerging in the spring as a vivid red colour, maturing in the summer to a deep crimson. Delightfully, the colours of this lovely tree don’t fade or become bronzy as the summer season progresses. Then finally in the autumn this brilliant tree lights up with intense crimson and bright scarlet foliage.

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. With the weeping dissectum varieties, sometimes judicious thinning of the inside growth can both allow better display of the branches and discourage insect and disease problems through congestion. Good hygiene of tools and equipment is always essential to avoid spread of disease.