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Acer palmatum 'Gwens's Rose Delight'

Japanese maple (syn. Acer palmatum 'Shirazz')

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Brightly variegated pink-edged purple foliage makes this Japanese maple a striking choice for gardens and containers.

New leaves emerge deep pink with lighter pink variegation in spring, gradually maturing to soft purple with creamy-white and green streaks. By late summer, the foliage retains pink-tipped margins before turning vibrant reddish-purple in autumn.

This upright, spreading small tree develops a graceful arching form as it matures, and thrives in a sheltered position with dappled shade, protected from strong winds and intense sun.

Acer palmatum 'Gwen’s Rose Delight' bears small, purple-red flowers in spring, with characteristic and colourful seeds in the autumn. Its compact size makes it ideal for small gardens or as a focal point in a Japanese-style planting scheme.

How to care for Acer palmatum Gwens's Rose Delight:

Japanese maples thrive in sheltered positions with dappled shade, though many cultivars can tolerate full sun if given enough moisture. In exposed areas, protect young trees from strong winds, which can dry out and damage delicate foliage.

Plant in well-drained, acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter, avoiding waterlogged or chalky conditions. When planting, ensure the root ball sits at the same level as it was in its nursery container, and water thoroughly to help establish strong roots. A layer of mulch, such as leaf mould or bark, will help retain moisture and suppress weeds but keep it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

During dry spells, water young trees regularly, especially in their first few years. Even mature Japanese maples benefit from deep watering in hot weather to prevent leaf scorch.

A top-dressing of a multi-purpose fertiliser in late spring supports healthy growth, but avoid excessive feeding, as too much nitrogen can lead to soft, leggy growth that is more susceptible to damage.

These trees require little routine pruning. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late autumn or winter while the tree is dormant. Avoid heavy pruning, as Japanese maples have a naturally graceful form that is best left unspoiled. If shaping is necessary, make minor adjustments in midsummer to minimise sap bleeding.

Container-grown specimens need extra care, including more frequent watering and, if not going up in pot size, occasional root pruning (late winter to early spring) to prevent becoming pot-bound. Mix ericaceous compost into the soil when planting, or add to loam based compost if planting in containers.
Eventual height:
4m
Eventual spread:
4m
Position:

Light shade

Rate of growth:

Slow growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soil, or general-purpose loam-based potting compost

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

  • InformationThis shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

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PL30015686
3 litre pot | 30 - 40cm tall | grafted
£59.99
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