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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!

Truly beautiful 'fern' like fresh green foliage make this a most desirable Maple. Each deep lobe of the leaf is serrated giving an overall delicate appearance. Glorious autumn tones of crimson, orange and yellow prior to leaf fall. Grow in a sheltered spot in deep acid soil for best results. Deciduous.

 

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.

 

Japanese Maple. Asahi zuru or Rising sun as it translates had variegation that is creamy-white with pink in spring. Bark tends to 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.

 

A rare and beautiful Maple named for it's outstanding autumn foliage in shades of burnt orange. The new spring growth has tones of pale yellow and green with hints of orange on rounded leaves with shallow lobes. Plant in a sheltered, semi-shaded position. Deciduous. Est 10 year growth.

This special Maple can also be grown in a container.

 

A desirable, compact selection. Young leaves are a striking bronze red, soon turning green, then a brilliant glowing orange red in autumn. Grow in a sheltered spot in nice deep soil. Hardy Deciduous.

 

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.

 

Very small maple that comes out a bright red in spring.One of the slowest growing maples. Warm summer weather turns the older leaves to dark green while the ever present new growth on the tips tends to stay bright red. One of the best small plants for the landscape. Autumn colour is especially nice for a dwarf. Deciduous

 

The translation of the name of this Japanese Maple is "The red beautiful girl". That says it all really doesn't it? A dwarf form with red dissected foliage eventually turning green with purple tones. Red autumn tones. Plant with protection from afternoon sun and wind. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

 

"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.

 

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".