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Maples - the "Acer" in the Pack!

If there was a beauty pageant for deciduous trees then we would have no hesitation in handing the Maple the winner's crown. They are unequalled for beauty, grace and leaf colour and deserving of a special place in any planting scheme. The botanically correct name is Acer but they are more commonly known as Maple. Most varieties for sale in garden centres today originated from Japan where they are revered. There are also a few North American varieties and these tend have larger less dissected leaves.

Whilst I personally think Maples look fabulous even when they are naked they really come into their own when the new foliage emerges in spring and when they are showing off their autumn colour. Maples do have flowers which appear before the leaves however they are mostly inconspicuous. There are, as always, some exceptions such as Acer negundo and rubrum which have highly ornamental fringed tassels that attractively drape the bare branches.

Maples perform best in a sheltered spot with protection from harsh wind and hot afternoon sun. They don't like to dry out too much in summer and if it is particularly hot and dry extra mulch around the roots will be of benefit. Due to the conditions in my garden I grow a range of Maples in large pots very successfully, with regular watering and feeding they can stay in the same pot for several years. Japanese varieties especially "weepers" suit container planting best.

You may come across the terms high-work and low-work when shopping for a Maple. High-work simply means that the "head" or top of the Maple has been grafted at a height of 1m plus. All the new growth will start from that point. This system is of growing is usually used for weeping Maples. Low work means the opposite where the graft is at the bottom of the stem.

At Wairere we endeavour to have one of the best ranges of Maples available in all shapes and sizes from upright and bold to weeping and dainty. We're sure you will find one to please - however it is only fair to warn you that these trees are addictive and you'll find it hard to stop at 1!
Did you know that thousands of Maple trees grown in New Zealand are exported world wide even to Japan!

aka Japanese Maple

Dwarf Japanese Maple. This rare and desirable dwarf tree is slow growing with thin elegant branches. The five lobed leaves begin brick red in spring before turning to purple red and green in summer then gold and orange for it's crowing autumn glory. Very beautiful in a sheltered spot in the garden or in a container. Deciduous.

Your beautiful Maple will be happy if protected from strong hot winds and afternoon sun.

 

aka Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple. Asahi zuru or Rising sun as it translates has variegation that is creamy-white with pink in spring. Bark can have pink striations through out, especially on newer bark. Fast growing when young, this lovely maple will eventually produce a spreading plant with the variegation becoming more intense with age. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

 

aka Japanese Maple

An attractive little Japanese Maple with deeply dissected fine foliage in tones of orange-red in early spring turning more green in summer. Nice autumn tones. A strong grower with an upright habit and pendulous branches. Perfect for a sheltered spot in small gardens. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

 

aka Japanese Maple

"Beni Otake" means red bamboo. The foliage emerges red in spring and holds it colour well into summer, before turning bronze and then green. Eventually forms a vase shaped tree. Prefers sun to partial shade in well drained soil. Deciduous. Est. 10 yr. growth.

 

aka Japanese Maple

Maple. Probably one of the prettiest variegated foliage trees available. The five-lobed leaves have silvery-white margins combined with tones of green and rosy red. Particularly beautiful in spring. Plant in a sheltered spot in deep acid soil for best results. Deciduous.

The name of this lovely Maple means 'red and changeable' and it is pronounced "Bay-nee-shee-chee-hen-gay".

 

aka Japanese Maple

The name may not be the most desirable but the tree certainly is. The rich red, spring foliage is finely dissected and holds its colour well throughout summer. In autumn the leaves turn a deeper shade of red before falling. Neat and tidy upright habit. RHS AGm. Deciduous. Est. 10 yr growth.

 

aka Canadian Maple

Maple rubrum. A handsome form of the Canadian Maple that is valued for the columnar shape and excellent autumn colour. Fresh green, lobed leaves in spring and summer. Plant in a sheltered position with space to flourish. Deciduous.

 

aka Chinese Maple Trident Maple

Spring growth emerges coppery-red and matures to a glossy dark green in summer. During autumn the leaves display red, yellow and orange. This small, sturdy maple has an oval to rounded, slightly spreading form. Bark is pale brown and attractively dappled with a papery texture. Prefers a sheltered site. Deciduous. Est.10yr growth