Acer palmatum Ariadne (Japanese Maple)

Award-winning Acer palmatum ‘Ariadne’ (Japanese Maple) is a semi-dwarf, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its ever-changing colors, season after season. Emerging coppery orange-pink with green veins in spring, the deeply cut, 5-7-lobed leaves gradually change to purplish red with red veins in summer and then turn back to orange-pink in fall. Slow-growing, this Japanese Maple features an elegant and gracefully arching habit. Architectural, it is ideal for small gardens or patio containers.

Award-winning Acer palmatum 'Ariadne' (Japanese Maple) is a semi-dwarf, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its ever-changing colors, season after season. Emerging coppery orange-pink with green veins in spring, the deeply cut, 5-7-lobed leaves gradually change to purplish red with red veins in summer and then turn back to orange-pink in fall. Slow-growing, this Japanese Maple features an elegant and gracefully arching habit. Architectural, it is ideal for small gardens or patio containers.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 10-12 ft. wide (300-360 cm).
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. Leaf scorch can be caused by a lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or patio containers.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
  • May be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by grafting, softwood cuttings, or layering.
  • Acer palmatum is native to Japan, China, and Korea.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 2
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Acer – Maples
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 6'
– 10'
(180cm
– 3m)
Spread 10'
– 12'
(3m
– 3.6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden