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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
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.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Acer palmatum 'Beni-maiko' |
| Common Name | Japanese Maple 'Beni-maiko' |
| Plant Type | Deciduous ornamental tree |
| Foliage | Deeply lobed palmate leaves; vivid scarlet-red in spring, maturing to green flushed with red before turning brilliant crimson-red in autumn |
| Flowers | Small reddish-purple flowers |
| Flowering Season | Spring |
| Growth Habit | Compact, upright and gracefully branching |
| Position | Partial shade or full sun in a sheltered position |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil |
| Mature Height | Approximately 1.5–2.5 m |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 1.5–2 m |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy in Irish gardens (RHS H5/H6) |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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