Acers - commonly known as maple trees - are becoming increasingly popular in British gardens, mainly down to their glorious foliage in a range of colours. They are quite slow-growing so you have to be patient if you start with a small plant but the wait is worth it and they will become a focal point of your whole garden.
Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’
Slow-growing statuesque variety with tiered branches clothed with fans of vivid yellow leaves. Small sprays of red flowers in spring. Bright red autumn colour. H/S: 6m (20ft) after 20 years.
Tip: Lovely as a focus of an oriental garden
Tel 08448 044253
Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’
Strongly-fingered leaves open bright orange, quickly turning orange-flushed yellow, with a pink margin, then green over summer. Orange autumn tones. H/S: 4m (13ft) after 10 years.
Tip: Works well in a pot on a patio.
Tel 01943 660870
Acer conspicuum ‘Red Flamingo’
Large shrub or small tree with vivid red, white striped shoots. Young foliage has vivid pink variegation, becoming darker as leaves green up by early summer. H/S: 6m (20ft) in 10 years.
Tip: Plant as a focal point so striped bark can be admired in winter.
From: www.burncoose.co.uk
Tel 01209 860316
Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’
Popular form of sycamore with salmon-pink young foliage. Pale yellow pallor to leaves in summer can be unattractive. Slow-growing lollipop form. H
Tip: Site away from cold, drying spring winds
From: From: www.ornamental-trees.co.uk
Tel 01943 660870
Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’
New variety with orange-flushed pointed leaves which turn to a soft yellow green. Orange tones in autumn. Busy, open shape provides a strong silhouette. H/S: 3m (10ft) in 10 years.
Tip: Lightly prune to create strong architectural shape.
From: www.crocus.co.uk
Tel 01344 578111