Magnificent maples

Maples are deciduous trees native to the Northern Hemisphere, where they grow in forests in temperate to cold regions. They are universally loved for their exquisite autumn foliage. One of these leaves even has the honour of being Canada’s national symbol. Of course, not every garden has space for the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). This towering tree reaches 25–35m high, and its sap is tapped for maple syrup. There is, however, plenty of room, even in the smallest of gardens, for Japanese and other small maples. Here’s a selection of the smaller-scale big performers:

1. Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’
This is one of the most popular small Japanese maples, growing 4–6m tall. It’s also known as coral-bark maple, due to its striking pink bark. It has pink to yellow spring and autumn foliage.

2. A. palmatum ‘Dissectum Bronze’
Fine leaves and a weeping, compact habit produce a small, shrubby tree to about 3m high. The leaves colour deep orange to bronze in autumn.

3. A. palmatum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’
Featuring fine, lacy foliage and a weeping habit, this grafted tree grows about 1.5–1.8m tall. Enjoy claret new growth and deep purple autumn tones.

4. A. griseum
The peeling bark on the paperbark maple adds interest to an already attractive tree. It’s slow-growing, multi-branched and grows to 6m tall, with red to orange autumn leaf colour.

5. A. palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
Lacy foliage and an upright habit to 5m tall make this an excellent tree. Its striking red new foliage lasts well into summer before developing deep purple tones in autumn.

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