Japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Nuresagi')
Acer palmatum 'Nuresagi' is a stunning Japanese maple valued for its purple-red foliage and eventual scarlet fall color, growing robustly in zones 5-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ is a striking cultivar of the Japanese maple, prized by horticulturists for its deeply lobed leaves and unique coloration. This small tree offers year-round interest, highlighted by attractive purple-red foliage that transitions into brilliant scarlet tones come autumn. Its distinctive form, often rounded and spreading, makes the Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ an excellent focal point in carefully planned landscapes.
As a deciduous shrub or small tree, this specific Japanese maple reaches a manageable height suitable for many residential gardens. It thrives when cultural needs are met, requesting moist, organically rich, and slightly acidic soil conditions. The low maintenance requirements, once established, increase the allure of incorporating this exceptional specimen into a sheltered garden space.
Gardeners appreciate the structure and leaf detail of the Japanese maple, even beyond its seasonal color show. The cultivar name itself, ‘Nuresagi’, translates from Japanese, hinting at its unique visual elements, such as the showy red leaf stalks and the attractive white striations appearing on mature bark. Selecting the right placement ensures the best display from your Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Sapindaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 10-20 ft
- Spread: 8-15 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: Reddish-purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The success of your Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ relies heavily on soil quality and placement. Plant this Japanese maple in spots offering moist, organically rich, and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. While it tolerates full sun in cooler northern zones, southern gardeners must provide protection from intense afternoon sun to prevent new foliage from scorching during hot summers, especially if soil moisture dips.
Consistent moisture is crucial; deep, regular watering during dry spells helps keep the roots cool—mulching generously around the base aids significantly in soil moisture retention. Site your specimen away from areas prone to strong winds, and always avoid overly hot, dry exposures that stress this delicate variety. Fertilize lightly in early spring just before the leaves unfurl to support early season growth.
Pruning should be kept minimal, as extensive cutting can detract from its natural form. When pruning is necessary for shaping or removing dead wood, ensure it is performed in the late fall or mid-winter. Avoid pruning during the spring or summer months, as cutting into active cambium during these periods can cause significant sap bleeding from the cuts.
Landscape Uses
Japanese maples, particularly exquisite cultivars like Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’, are primarily installed to serve as stunning specimens or accent plants where their form and foliage can be fully appreciated. They excel when grouped around the home foundation or positioned strategically at the periphery of a border, drawing the eye toward their textured bark and branching structure. Furthermore, their tolerance for filtered light makes them superb selections for woodland garden margins or as a sun-dappled understory tree beneath taller canopies.
When planning companion plantings, consider contrasting textures and colors that do not compete visually with the rich purple-red leaves of the Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’. Shade-loving perennials such as Hosta, Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa), or various ferns provide excellent ground cover beneath the canopy while thriving in similar moist, well-drained conditions. Ensure companions are not overly aggressive, as Japanese maples prefer room to develop their widespread root systems.
This cultivar can also be utilized effectively as a screen or focal point in a Japanese-inspired garden design, leveraging its elegant, rounded-spreading crown. For those interested in miniature landscapes, the Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ is well-suited for bonsai training, offering the characteristic palmate leaf structure on a smaller scale. Always prioritize a sheltered location that minimizes exposure to environmental extremes.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Acer palmatum, commonly called Japanese maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 10-25’ (infrequently to 40’) tall. It is native to Japan, Korea and China. General plant form is rounded to broad-rounded, often with low branching. Each palmate green leaf (2-5” long) has 5 or 7 but less frequently 9 pointed toothed lobes. Small reddish-purple flowers in umbels bloom in mid spring (April). The flowers are rather attractive close up, but are not particularly showy from a distance. Flowers are followed by samaras (to 3/4” long) in pairs. Samaras ripen in September-October. Fall color includes shades of yellow, red-purple and bronze. Cultivars (often grafted) are quite variable. The specific epithet refers to the palmate nature of the leaves, resembling an open hand. ‘Nuresagi’ (Matsumurae Group) is noted for its attractive purple-red foliage which turns scarlet red in fall, eventually reaching up to 20’ tall by 15’ wide over many years.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
This Japanese maple is susceptible to several fungal and pest issues common to the species. Potential diseases include stem canker, leaf spots, fusarium, verticillium wilt, botrytis, anthracnose, and root rots, necessitating good air circulation and avoided root disturbance. Insect pests such as aphids, scale, borers, bagworms, and root weevils can appear, while mites may also prove troublesome, requiring diligent monitoring.
A significant cultural concern is late spring frost damage; Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ foliage tends to leaf out early, leaving new growth vulnerable to frost events typical in early spring. Additionally, growth in high pH soils can lead to chlorosis, presenting as yellowing leaves due to nutrient uptake issues. Ensure consistent soil acidity and moisture to mitigate these common physiological problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Japanese maple suitable for?
The Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Japanese maple grow?
This cultivar typically reaches mature heights between 10 to 20 feet, with a spread ranging from 8 to 15 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ need?
It prefers full sun to part shade; however, afternoon shade is strongly recommended in the hotter parts of its range to prevent leaf scorch.
When does Japanese maple bloom?
Bloom time occurs in April, producing small flowers characterized by a reddish-purple hue.
Conclusion
The Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ offers exceptional ornamental value through its unique leaf coloration, reliable branching structure, and manageable size, making it a premier choice among variegated Japanese maples. By carefully managing soil moisture and protecting it from harsh sun and wind, you can successfully cultivate this distinctive specimen. Review your site conditions now to confirm compatibility with USDA Zones 5-8 before planning your planting schedule for this spring.
Companion Planting
When selecting understory plants for your Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’, focus on species that thrive in dappled light and require similar consistent soil moisture. Groundcovers like European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum) provide a lush, dark mat that contrasts beautifully with the maple’s finer texture, while offering excellent weed suppression. Blue or silver-foliaged plants also provide a cool counterpoint to the warm, reddish tones of the Japanese maple foliage in summer.
Consider pairing this cultivar with fine-textured conifers, such as dwarf Hinoki Cypress or certain spreading junipers, placed strategically to frame the Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ without crowding its canopy. These choices should share the requirement for slightly acidic soil conditions to ensure all plants in the planting area remain vigorous and healthy over time, requiring less specialized soil intervention later on.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the active growth window; this is the ideal time to apply fertilizer just before leaf emergence and to apply a fresh layer of mulch to stabilize soil temperature and retain moisture through the coming summer heat. After the leaves have fully expanded, monitor diligently for signs of leaf scorch, especially if planted in a location receiving prolonged direct sun exposure.
Summer care centers on consistent watering. Water deeply whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry, especially during heatwaves, as stressed Acer palmatum ‘Nuresagi’ are more susceptible to developing crispy leaf edges. Keep pruning tools clean and plan for any necessary clean-up cuts, remembering that major structural work should be deferred.
As winter approaches, ensure the tree is well-hydrated before the ground freezes solid; deep watering in late fall helps prevent winter desiccation, particularly on evergreen-like bark surfaces exposed to winter winds. If you must prune dead or damaged wood, late fall (after dormancy is well established) through mid-winter offers the safest window for the Japanese maple.
