Acer palmatum 'Winter Flame'

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned in summer after the leaves have fully developed, as it may 'bleed' sap if pruned in late winter or early spring. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Winter Flame Japanese Maple is primarily valued in the landscape for its interesting and distinctive form. It  features subtle corymbs of red flowers rising above the foliage in mid spring before the leaves. It has attractive green deciduous foliage which emerges lime green in spring. The serrated palmate leaves are highly ornamental and turn outstanding shades of gold, orange and red in the fall. The rough gray bark and coral-pink branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Winter Flame Japanese Maple will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. You may want to keep it away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.