Acer palmatum / Japanese Maple

Price range: €250.00 through €750.00

Frequently Bought Together

Caragh Nurseries Multi-Purpose Compost - 50L
+
Liquid Root Booster - 500ml
Total: 20.50

Description

Acer palmatum is one of those plants people think they know… until they meet a really beautiful specimen.
This one has been grown slowly and shaped with care, so it doesn’t just “fill a space” — it holds it. Elegant branching, that soft, layered canopy, and seasonal colour that makes the whole garden feel more considered.
It’s the kind of tree that quietly changes the mood of a corner: morning light through the leaves, a little movement in the breeze, and that gentle sense of calm Japanese maples bring wherever they’re planted.

Perfect for

  • Courtyard gardens and patios (especially in a large pot)
  • A focal point in a mixed border
  • Underplanting with ferns, hostas, hellebores, hakonechloa, spring bulbs
  • Adding structure and “presence” without heaviness

Quick Facts

  • Botanical name: Acer palmatum
  • Common name: Japanese Maple
  • Plant type: Deciduous small tree
  • Best position: Bright shade / dappled light (sheltered)
  • Sun tolerance: Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun in exposed spots
  • Soil: Moist but free-draining; rich, slightly acidic to neutral
  • Hardiness: Very hardy in Ireland/UK (protect from drying winds)
  • Growth habit: Graceful, layered branching; specimen shape
  • Great in pots: Yes — brilliant in a substantial container

Caragh Garden Notebook (our best tips)

  • Shelter is everything. Japanese maples hate cold, drying winds more than they hate cold itself. Tuck it into a protected spot and it will reward you for years.
  • Think “moist, not wet”. Consistent moisture is key — especially in the first two seasons and for pot-grown trees.
  • Mulch like you mean it. A generous mulch keeps roots cool, conserves moisture, and improves soil structure over time.
  • Underplant for magic. Pair with soft textures (ferns, grasses) and spring bulbs for that layered, woodland feel.
  • Pruning: Minimal — this is a tree you edit, not reshape. Remove crossing branches in winter if needed.

A note on choosing a specimen

Acer palmatum is widely loved for a reason — but a well-grown specimen is a different thing entirely. You’re not just buying a plant; you’re buying time, shape, and presence.

Additional information

Pot Size

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