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Description
Acer Palmatum Red Pygmy is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Aceraceae family. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of up to 6 feet and a spread of 5 feet. This plant is native to Japan and is known for its attractive foliage that changes color throughout the year.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Aceraceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Acer Palmatum Red Pygmy has deep red foliage that turns into a bronze color during the summer and then bright red in the fall. The leaves have a lobed shape and are about 2-5 inches long. This plant has a compact and bushy growth habit that makes it an ideal plant for small gardens and patios. The Red Pygmy produces small red flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, winged fruit in the fall.
Care Guide
To grow the Acer Palmatum Red Pygmy successfully, follow these care tips:
Water: The Red Pygmy prefers moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a slow-release fertilizer.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows well in acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
Sunlight: The Red Pygmy prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun in cooler regions.
Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Red Pygmy is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy by providing it with proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, and pruning out any infected or damaged branches.
Habitat
The Acer Palmatum Red Pygmy is native to Japan and is commonly found in forested areas and along stream banks. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Red Pygmy grow in containers?
A: Yes, the Red Pygmy can grow in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: How often should I prune my Red Pygmy?
A: Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead or diseased branches and shape the plant as desired.
Q: Can the Red Pygmy tolerate drought?
A: No, the Red Pygmy prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.
Q: When is the best time to plant the Red Pygmy?
A: The best time to plant this plant is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
Related Plants
- Acer Palmatum
- Acer Palmatum Bloodgood
- Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum
- Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku
References
- “Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281268.
- “Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’.” Plant Care Today, 22 May 2021, plantcaretoday.com/acer-palmatum-red-pygmy.
- “Acer palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/12847/acer-palmatum-red-pygmy/details.
