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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!

Gorgeous big pyramidal form tree for big spaces. Stunning autumn colour from large deep green leaves, turning red and orange for autumn colourings. October Glory is quick growing and is excellent as an avenue tree or, shallow root system. Plant in a sheltered position. Deciduous

 

Japanese Maple. A most attractive Maple (aren't they all) with bright red spring foliage that matures to deep red-black as it matures. Towards the end of summer there are green tones on the leaves before they once again turn fiery red prior to leaf fall. Plant in morning sun or semi-shade.

 

Red spring growth contrasts well against beautiful yellow and green leaves, green intensifies in summer, turns orange and yellow in autumn. A bushy, spreading Japanese maple, ideal specimen tree for a small garden. Its elegant, open shape looks especially good silhouetted on walls or buildings, perfect in a large container. Deciduous

 

The deeply divided foliage of this special Maple goes through several colour changes throughout the season. Starting with orange tones in spring, turning purple then green-bronze and finally bright orange and scarlet in the autumn. The branches are quite pendulous in habit. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

Maples are happiest in a sheltered position with protection from the harsh afternoon sun. They like deep cool soil and will happily grow in the garden or a container. Nothing beats them for spring beauty and autumn colour.

 

A compact and round dwarf variety with graceful soft red foliage in spring that darkens to burgundy in summer; fall color brightens to sunset hues of crimson and orange; excellent as a small garden accent. Grows to about 1.2m

Oregon Sunset Japanese Maple has attractive burgundy foliage which emerges red in spring. The lobed palm-shaped leaves are ornamentally significant and turn an outstanding crimson in the fall.

 

This is a very special upright form of Maple. The leaves have seven lobes and start off a soft shade of green in spring gradually deepening to a more traditional green. The wow factor kicks in during autumn with deep shades of red and scarlet prior to leaf fall. Est. 10 yr. growth. Deciduous.

Plant with protection from hot dry winds and afternoon sun for best results. 'Osakazui' is considered to be one the very best Maples for autumn colour. The name means 'Saki-Cup like leaf'. This Maple has an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

 

A tall and densely branched, vase-shaped maple, with butter-yellow young growth if in a warm, sunny position. The leaves turn to a darker yet still attractive, golden-green as they age later in summer and then turn colourful shades of yellow, orange or red before falling in autumn.

 

Platanoides. Upon maturity this slow growing fastigiate shaped tree will make a very strong vertical accent in the landscape. The new spring foliage emerges pinkish red, turns fresh green for summer then tones of yellow arrive prior to leaf fall. Prefers

Give it room to grow and will reward you well. Prefers the sun and deep acid soil but reasonably tolerant and very hardy.

 

AKA the 'Eagle Claw' Maple because of the shape of the dissected leaves. A pretty little tree with fresh green spring foliage that changes to gold-orange tones in the autumn. A strong grower however as with most Maples will perform best with protection from hot sun and strong wind. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

 

Pretty "Pixie" could also be called "Lady in Red" as the new spring foliage is a rich vibrant red gradually maturing to a deeper black red. In autumn the leaves are a showy bright red. Use as a stand out contrast plant. Plant in sun or semi-shade in a sheltered position. Deciduous.