SCARLET SENSATIONS

The Oapanese maple has always been an important symbol: it represents grace (unsurprisingly), great blessing (lucky to have one) and a peaceful communion with the seasons (delectable young leaves as cute as baby hamsters with sensational colour in the autumn). The tree has been the subject of many poems and paintings over the centuries. In Oapan maples are known as kaede, which means ‘frog’s hands’ - so called because of the shape of the leaves.

Acer palmatum

Propagation is not easy, so best done by layering in autumn or early spring. If you must prune only do so when the tree won’t bleed sap (from November to January). H x S 6m x 6m