Acer palm.dis. Crimson Princess Plant of the Month

As we head into Autumn, we have a wonderful display of weeping maples with vibrant colours of orange, purple, yellow and red.

A popular Japanese Maple for your garden is Acer palm dis. Crimson Princess. It’s valued for its compact size, delicate ferny foliage and brilliant autumnal colours.

With their delicate lacy leaves, they prefer a little shade and shelter from any strong winds. If growing in pots, it’s important to keep the water up to ensure they do not dry out.

Acer palmatum Crimson Princess is a compact, weeping Japanese maple renowned for its finely dissected, deep crimson foliage. The delicate, lace-like leaves retain their vibrant red colour throughout spring, turning brick red and bronze green in Summer before transitioning to brilliant scarlet in Autumn. Its graceful, cascading form makes it a stunning feature in smaller gardens or containers displays.

Perfect for Japanese, woodland, or courtyard gardens, it works beautifully as a specimen tree or in borders with contrasting foliage plants. Its elegant form also suits water features or shaded patio areas.

Thrives in partial shade to full sun, with protection from harsh afternoon sunlight in hotter climates. Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and benefits from a sheltered position to protect its delicate foliage.

Reaches a mature height of 2–3 m with a similar spread, forming a weeping, dome-like silhouette that adds movement and beauty to any garden.

For more information on Acers, refer to the CHS Newsletter #315 from November 2024.