Acer pictum
Acer pictum · Sapindaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around acer pictum and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May), inconspicuous yellow-green flowers
- Mature size
- 8 to 15 m tall, spreading form
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-25 to -30°C)
- Origin
- Japan, Korea, northern China
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich, slightly acidic to neutral
Care
Exposure
Place your Acer pictum in partial shade to dappled shade to preserve the brilliance of its autumn foliage. It tolerates full sun in cool climates but may suffer from drought in very hot regions. Protect it from strong winds that damage the leaves.
Watering
Water regularly and generously during the first year to establish the root system. Once established, watering should remain moderate and regular during dry periods, avoiding waterlogging. In autumn and winter, reduce water intake.
Soil and Planting
Prepare soil enriched with organic matter (compost, peat) with good permeability. Acer pictum prefers slightly acidic pH. Plant in autumn or early spring, respecting the collar depth. Annual mulching maintains moisture and regulates soil temperature.
Pruning and Trimming
Pruning is not necessary for healthy Japanese maples. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches in early spring or late summer. Avoid severe pruning that weakens the tree.
Fertilization
Enrich the soil in spring with balanced fertilizer or well-decomposed compost. An established mature maple requires little fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes soft growth.
Diseases and Pests
Acer pictum is generally robust. Watch for anthracnose (leaf spots) in very humid conditions and ensure good air circulation. Spider mites may appear in case of severe drought; increase environmental humidity.
Did you know?
Acer pictum, or painted maple, owes its name to the delicate blood-red color of its autumn leaves, which resembles artistic painting. In Japan and Korea, this maple is revered for its spectacular seasonal transformation, symbolizing impermanence and fragile beauty in traditional gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
- Sycamore mapleAcer pseudoplatanus
- Norway mapleAcer platanoides
- Field mapleAcer campestre
- Marronnier dindeAesculus hippocastanum
- Box elderAcer negundo
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.