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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!

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.

 

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".

 

Maple rubrum. If you want a tree with brilliant and long lasting brilliant autumn colour then help yourself to some 'Brandy Wine'. Selected from the USA National Arboretum breeding programme this tree has large, fresh emerald green foliage that turns brilliant red then purple red in the autumn. Stunning large specimen tree. Deciduous.

The North American Maple is quite easy to grow in sun or part shade. It will do best if sheltered from strong wind. This male clone does not have the 'winged' seeds typical of this Maple.

 

A great Maple for those that love deep wine foliage. The attractive dissected leaves remain a gorgeous shade of red all year round intensifying in the autumn. Very pretty and dainty. Lovely landscape feature tree. Protect from hot dry winds and afternoon sun. Deciduous.

 

Named for the summer colour of it's golden green leaves which surprisingly emerge fiery red, this medium sized maple will take on multiple yellow tones in autumn. Prefers a sheltered site in full sun to part shade with moist but well drained soil. Deciduous

 

Palmatum. Deep crimson summer leaves turn brown, dark maroon or bronze in autumn. The oval to rounded crown fills with maroon tinged, yellow flowers in the spring. This fast growing Norway maple is a fabulous ornamental feature for a bigger garden. Will thrive in most soils, including clay, and is invaluable for screening buildings. Deciduous

 

Dissectum. Finely cut, large leaves. Crimson in spring, deep purple over summer. Fiery scarlet, red and orange autumn leaves. A strong grower and will make a lovely feature plant that will provide a soft cascading effect in the garden or a special container. Happiest with protection from strong wind. Deciduous. Est. 10yr. growth.

 

Weeping Maple. Deep red stems and dissected red foliage from spring to summer intensifying in tone prior to leaf fall. Lovely feature plant that will provide a soft cascading effect in the garden or a special container. Happiest with protection from strong wind. Deciduous. Est. 10yr. growth.