Woody > Acer > Acer palmatum > Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'
Acer palmatum
'Atropurpureum'
Purple-Leaf or Red Japanese Maple
Origin: C. Wattez Nursery, Woudenberg, The Netherlands (prior to 1910).
Mike's
Opinion
"
A popular and beautiful tree for a garden. Even though it is medium growing, this tree makes a great view in a garden and is unique in colour all year around. The foliage changes from green to bronze and red in the fall.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Sapindaceae (Aceraceae) |
| Genus |
| Acer |
| Species |
| palmatum |
| Cultivar |
| 'Atropurpureum' |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 5 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 6 |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| 20 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 68 |
| Height |
| 25 m |
| Spread |
| 12 m |
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| What makes the atropurpureum significant is the difference in reddish colour to a more purple colour from other Japanese maples. It thrives with the same amount of sunlight as other Japanese maples but the leaves tend to be greener when in more shade. Makes a great plant for a garden but needs extra watering during drought conditions. Lack of moisture can lead to leaf scorch. |
| Landscape |
| The atropurpureum is used in gardens as a focal point. |
| Cultivation |
| It usually grows better in moist soils but has to be well drained. Needs partial shade but can grow in full sun. Leaf Scorch may occur when the soil is dry and has lost its moisture. |
| Shape |
| Round and very dense. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| Palmate leaves, red to purple colour and has a double terminal bud. The colour of the foliage changes year round from green, red, and brown/bronze shades. |
| Pests |
| This tree may be disease resistant but can get aphids, mites and Borers as well as cottony maple scales. |
| Habitat |
| Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Smooth and brittle bark that is easily damaged. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Double terminal bud. |
| Leaf Description |
| Palmate leaves growing oppositely. |
| Flower Description |
| Small red clusters of flowers from April to May. |
| Fruit Description |
| Samara are red in colour, may be 2-3 cm long in length. |
| Colour Description |
| Purple and red, but foliage becomes greener in shady conditions. |
| Texture Description |
| Medium texture. |
| Propagation |
| Grafting is used to propagate Acer palmatums. A scion is taken from the plant and grafted to an understock. |
top