Plant of the week

ACER JAPONICUM ‘VITIFOLIUM’

HERE’S a small to medium tree not just for autumn colour but year-round beauty. The young leaves of Acer japonicum Vitifolium are rusty gold, subsiding to mid-green in summer. From September, they develop yellow or amber tones intensifying to deep red. Ultimate dimensions run to about 10 m high and wide — but this is a slow-growing maple. You can grow Acer japonicum in any soil rich in organic matter, free draining but not too dry. Though fully hardy, Japanese maples dislike cold winds, especially in the spring when the leaves are young and easily damaged.