Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko'

Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko'

3L Pot

Plant Highlights: Brilliant scarlet-red spring foliage • Deeply lobed palmate leaves • Spectacular autumn colour • Elegant compact habit • Ideal for feature planting and containers

Overview

Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko', meaning "red dancing girl", is a compact, slow-growing Japanese Maple renowned for its exceptional foliage display. New leaves emerge a vivid scarlet-red in spring before gradually softening to green with red flushes through summer. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms once again into brilliant crimson and scarlet tones, providing a spectacular seasonal finale.

Its graceful branching and refined form make it an outstanding specimen for smaller gardens, sheltered borders and large patio containers. The succession of changing leaf colours ensures year-round seasonal interest, even after the leaves have fallen and its elegant branch structure is revealed.

Why We Love It

• Brilliant scarlet-red spring foliage is among the brightest of the Japanese maples.
• Deeply lobed leaves provide elegant texture without the finely dissected appearance of laceleaf forms.
• Outstanding autumn colour extends seasonal interest well into the year.
• Compact, slow-growing habit suits smaller gardens and containers.
• Creates a striking focal point in Japanese-inspired and contemporary planting schemes.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in a sheltered position in partial shade or full sun. Partial shade is particularly beneficial in gardens exposed to strong afternoon sun or drying winds, helping to protect the delicate foliage from leaf scorch.

Watering

Water regularly while the tree is establishing and during prolonged dry periods, particularly if grown in a container. Keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to become waterlogged.

Soil

Grow in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil enriched with organic matter. Apply a mulch in spring to help conserve moisture and avoid cultivating deeply around the shallow root system.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Fully hardy in Irish gardens. Young plants benefit from a sheltered location away from strong winds, and container-grown specimens should be monitored during prolonged dry or freezing weather.

Routine Care

Pruning is rarely required beyond removing dead, damaged or crossing branches during dormancy. Avoid heavy pruning, allowing the tree to develop its naturally elegant form.

Perfect For

• Feature planting in small gardens.
• Japanese-inspired landscapes.
• Sheltered woodland borders.
• Large patio containers.
• Adding outstanding spring and autumn colour.

Good to Know

The name 'Beni-maiko' translates as "red dancing girl", reflecting the cultivar's exceptionally vibrant spring foliage. For the richest leaf colour and healthiest growth, protect the plant from strong drying winds and prolonged afternoon sun in exposed locations.

Product Information

• Supplied in a 3L pot.
• Deciduous ornamental Japanese maple.
• Best grown in partial shade or full sun in a sheltered position.
• Ideal as a specimen tree, in Japanese-style gardens or large patio containers.
• Valued for its brilliant scarlet spring foliage and outstanding autumn colour.