In these last few days before the marathon of holiday frenzy begins, get into the type of gardening — if just visually — with the universally loved Japanese walnut (Acer palmatum).
“Today, Japanese maples are bursting into a stunning array of autumn colors,” says landscape architect Ami Saunders. “I really like the tremendous variety afforded by the many cultivars of Japanese maples, in terms of year-round seasonal color, leaf texture, height, form and habit.” With hundreds of cultivars available, you can select from just about any colour, shape, size, or climate taste to suit your backyard.
Fall is a great time to search for them, since you are able to preview their colour at the nursery. It’s also a good time to put them at the ground, so their origins can get established before the spring climbing season.
Robert Shuler Design
Botanical name: Acer palmatum; many cultivars
Common names: Japanese walnut; many cultivars
USDA zones: 5-8
Water requirement: Frequent
Sun requirement: Soft dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade is best; too much sun will scorch its leaves.
Mature dimension:15-25′ tall x 10-25′ disperse maximum, depending on cultivar
MLA, ami Saunders
Distinguishing attributes. Using its gentle delicate feathery foliage, sweeping fluid type, and dazzling seasonal shade, there aren’t many ornamental trees much more familiar or desired than walnut. Based on the cultivar or extent, the growth habit can differ from a more rounded and vertical tree, to spreading or perhaps weeping in shape. Japanese walnut loses its leaves in winter, much like all maples, but is proceeded by a striking display of autumn color in colors ranging from gold bronzes and yellows to rich reds and deep purples.
Possidento Lightscapes LLC
A Japanese maple can be increased as a multi-stemmed tree, like this exceptionally mature specimen, or trained as a single backward. The variation in Japanese maple’s form makes as equally interesting a backyard feature once it drops it leaves to the season.
Jesse Im/bugonmyleaf
The best way to utilize it. Allow the tree to breathe, treating it as a sculptural specimen, as shown here. In this modern adaptation of this Zen garden, the spreading branches and abounding foliage nicely contrast and soften the dirt and hardscape materials.
Richard Kramer
The walnut is a native woodland tree. The lush green colour of the ferns and likewise arching silhouettes layer beautifully with all the tree while still allowing it to serve as a focal point.
David Duncan Livingston
Japanese walnut can spend its entire life as a container specimen. Simply make sure you repot until the tree reaches a mature size, root pruning and replacing the soil every 5 years or so. These container trees flanking an entryway create a casually elegant welcome.
MLA, ami Saunders
Before you plant. Japanese maples have a slow growth rate and temperamental character and can be scarce and expensive at nurseries. After planting, make sure you keep the soil moist yet well drained, and then protect the tree from intense winds and harsh sunlight which can scorch its own foliage. Routine pruning can encourage air and sun circulation to the core of the tree, preventing potential infestation or disease.
Design plants with fall colour:
Persian Ironwood | Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass
More amazing design plants:
Tree Aloe | Red Kangaroo Paw | Blue Chalk Sticks | Catmint | Slipper Plant