Acer Palmatum 'Atropurpureum' 80cm Pot 240cm Height Outdoor Tree

Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ is one of the most widely grown and recognised Japanese maples, admired for its striking purple-red foliage and graceful form. It is actually a group name covering many seed-grown red Japanese maples (rather than a single clone), so individual plants can vary slightly — but all share that characteristic rich colour and elegant silhouette.

🌿 Key Features:

• Foliage: Classic palmate leaves with 5–7 finely pointed lobes emerge a deep crimson-red in spring, mature to a rich purple-red through summer, then turn brilliant shades of scarlet and crimson in autumn, giving an extended season of vibrant colour.

• Habit: Develops into a small, upright tree or large shrub, usually growing 3–5 metres high, with a similar spread over time. It forms a rounded, often slightly layered canopy.

• Bark: Smooth grey-brown branches add subtle structure in winter.

Because of its reliability, easy growth and vivid foliage, ‘Atropurpureum’ is widely used as a feature tree in lawns, mixed borders, Japanese-style gardens and even large pots.

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🌱 Detailed Care Guide for Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’

📍 Position & Light

• Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight.

• Will tolerate more sun than many other red-leaved acers, but still best sheltered from hot afternoon sun to reduce risk of leaf scorch.

• Always plant in a protected position, out of strong or drying winds.

🌬️ Shelter

• Important to avoid exposed sites where wind can tear or dry delicate leaf margins, leading to browning.

💧 Watering

• Likes soil to be consistently moist but well-drained.

• Water thoroughly during dry periods, particularly when newly planted or if grown in containers.

• Apply a mulch of compost or bark in spring to help conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

🪴 Soil

• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, fertile, humus-rich soil.

• Avoid very alkaline or heavy clay soils. If needed, plant in raised beds or large containers using ericaceous compost mixed with grit for drainage.

🍽️ Feeding

• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a specialist acer feed.

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which encourage soft growth more prone to wind or frost.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Requires minimal pruning.

• Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter while dormant.

• Avoid hard pruning which disrupts its graceful natural form.

🪲 Pests & Problems

• Generally very healthy and trouble-free.

• May occasionally see aphids on new growth.

• Leaf scorch (browned edges or tips) is typically caused by drought, strong wind or excessive sun, not disease.

🚰 Container Growing

• Well-suited to large pots, making it ideal for patios or small gardens.

• Use ericaceous compost with added grit, ensure the container has good drainage and is raised on pot feet.

• Water consistently, and protect pots in harsh winters by wrapping or moving to a sheltered location.