Acer Palmatum Winter Flame

Description

Acer Palmatum Winter Flame is a stunning deciduous shrub that belongs to the Aceraceae family. It is native to Japan, Korea, and China, and it is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world for its ornamental value. The shrub displays a beautiful array of colors and textures throughout the seasons, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscape designers.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Acer Palmatum Winter Flame is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Its leaves are palmate, meaning they have multiple lobes that resemble a hand. In the winter season, the shrub displays stunning foliage that ranges from deep orange-red to bright crimson. The leaves are small and delicate, and they provide a beautiful contrast against the stark winter landscape. In the spring and summer seasons, the shrub displays green leaves that turn shades of yellow and orange in the fall.

Care Guide

Acer Palmatum Winter Flame is a relatively low-maintenance shrub that requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this beautiful plant:

Water: The shrub should be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization: The shrub should be fertilized in the spring and fall with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

Soil: The shrub prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not do well in heavy clay soils.

Sunlight: The shrub prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not thrive in deep shade.

Hardiness Zones: Acer Palmatum Winter Flame is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Acer Palmatum Winter Flame is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by a few common issues. Here are some of the most common problems to watch out for:

Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can infest the leaves and stems of the shrub, causing them to curl and distort. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow or brown. There is no cure for Verticillium Wilt, so affected plants should be removed and destroyed.

Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery film to develop on the leaves and stems of the shrub. It can be controlled with fungicides or by improving air circulation around the plant.

Habitat

Acer Palmatum Winter Flame is native to Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows in forests and along riverbanks. It prefers cool, temperate climates with moderate rainfall and well-drained soils. The shrub is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world for its ornamental value.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water Acer Palmatum Winter Flame?

A: The shrub should be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Acer Palmatum Winter Flame?

A: Acer Palmatum Winter Flame is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Q: What is the best soil type for Acer Palmatum Winter Flame?

A: The shrub prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not do well in heavy clay soils.

Q: What pests and diseases are common to Acer Palmatum Winter Flame?

A: The shrub can be affected by aphids, Verticillium Wilt, and Powdery Mildew.

Related Plants

• Acer Palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
• Acer Palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’
• Acer Palmatum ‘Osakazuki’
• Acer Palmatum ‘Emperor I’

References

• “Acer palmatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286400.
• “Acer palmatum Winter Flame.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/257/acer-palmatum-winter-flame/.
• “Acer palmatum Winter Flame.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/japanese-maple-winter-flame.