Japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Red Select')
Discover the stunning Acer palmatum 'Red Select' Japanese maple, known for its cascading, lace-like red-purple foliage in sunny to partially shaded spots.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’, a highly sought-after cultivar of the Japanese maple, offers exceptional color contrast in the garden. This variety is distinguished by its deeply dissected leaflets that emerge a vibrant light red, mature to a deep red-purple during the summer heat, and finish in a brilliant crimson in the fall. Gardeners prize this deciduous shrub for its relatively compact, broad-rounded, yet slightly cascading form, making it an excellent focal point.
While highly ornamental, successfully growing Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’ requires attention to specific cultural needs. It thrives best when sited where it receives protection from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds, particularly in warmer regions. Consistent moisture is critical to prevent the delicate foliage from scorching during hot spells.
This Japanese maple provides year-round interest, moving from striking spring color to deep summer tones, culminating in a fantastic fall display. Its graceful structure and rich coloration ensure the Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’ remains a staple in sophisticated landscape designs where year-round visual appeal is desired.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Sapindaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-10 ft
- Spread: 8-15 ft
- Bloom Time: April
- Bloom Description: Red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal health, plant your Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’ in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, and well-drained soils. It tolerates sandy loams well. While it can take full sun in the cooler, northern reaches of its range, southern gardeners must ensure morning sun and afternoon shade to guard against leaf scorch, especially in hot summers.
Establish a consistent watering regimen; do not allow soils to become dry, especially as the plant establishes or during periods of intense heat. Mulching is highly recommended to cool the root system and retain necessary soil moisture around this Japanese maple. Fertilize lightly in the spring just before the leaves unfurl.
Pruning for the Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’ should be kept minimal. If trimming is necessary, perform this task in late fall or mid-winter. Avoid pruning during the spring or summer, as this can often lead to significant sap bleeding from the cuts. Always site this specimen where it is protected from damaging, strong winds.
Landscape Uses
Japanese maples are utilized primarily for their magnificent foliage texture and distinct architectural shape, and the ‘Red Select’ cultivar is no exception. Its somewhat cascading habit makes it perfect for showcasing near water features, such as ponds or water gardens, where its structure can be viewed from multiple angles. Consider planting it as a specimen tree to highlight its emerging light red spring color.
This cultivar excels as an accent plant positioned near the home’s entrance or along walkways. Because of its size potential, group plantings or using the Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’ at the periphery of borders creates a beautiful, layered effect. It also adapts well to being grown in containers for several years, allowing for flexibility in patio or deck design.
For woodland garden settings, this Japanese maple provides excellent dappled shade structure beneath taller canopy trees. Its rich color contrasts beautifully with bright green hostas or silvery foliage plants grown beneath it, enhancing the overall visual depth of the landscape composition.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus name Acer is derived from the Latin word for maple tree, while the specific epithet palmatum refers to the leaves, which resemble an outstretched, open hand due to their 5 to 7 radiating, pointed lobes. The ‘Red Select’ cultivar is particularly valued for its deeply cut, almost lace-like foliage. This dissected foliage emerges light red, deepens to a striking red-purple through summer, and transitions to a brilliant crimson before dropping, providing a long season of impressive color.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
The foliage of the Japanese maple is susceptible to damage from unexpected late spring frosts because it tends to leaf out relatively early. To mitigate this, monitor long-range forecasts in early spring and provide temporary protection if hard freezes are predicted after bud break.
Pests like aphids, scale, borers, and mites can afflict the Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’, requiring vigilant monitoring. If infestations occur, apply appropriate dormant or insecticidal oils depending on the life stage of the pest. Additionally, avoid planting in high pH soils, as this stressor can induce chlorosis, causing the leaves to yellow.
Fungal and vascular diseases present further challenges, including potential outbreaks of stem canker, leaf spots, and Verticillium wilt. Ensure excellent air circulation and proper drainage to reduce the risk of these soil-borne infections, as cultural stress often makes the tree more vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Japanese maple suitable for?
This particular cultivar, Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’, is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. Always check local microclimates to ensure compatibility before planting.
How large does Japanese maple grow?
When fully mature, the Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’ typically reaches a height between 6 and 10 feet, spreading widely between 8 and 15 feet, often developing a broader, cascading habit.
What sun exposure does Japanese maple need?
This cultivar performs best with exposure ranging from full sun to partial shade. In the hottest climates, afternoon shade is essential to keep the delicate red foliage from scorching during peak summer heat.
When does Japanese maple bloom?
The small red flowers appear relatively early in the season, usually during the month of April, though these flowers are not considered highly showy from a distance.
Conclusion
The Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’ remains a top choice for gardeners seeking year-round drama provided by its deeply dissected, intensely colored foliage. Its manageable size and elegant, somewhat cascading form make this Japanese maple versatile for specimen planting or softening hardscape edges. Before installing, confirm site conditions match the need for moist, slightly acidic soil and protection from scorching sun to ensure your new specimen thrives.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions helps create the ideal, low-stress environment for your Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’. Focus on plants that enjoy similar acidic soil conditions and thrive in dappled shade or morning sun. Consider grouping this Japanese maple with shade-loving perennials such as Hostas, particularly those with variegated or blue foliage that will contrast beautifully with the deep red leaves.
Groundcovers like Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) work wonderfully, offering a soft, mounding texture that complements the tree’s fine-textured leaves. Ferns, especially Japanese Painted Ferns, also share the textural contrast and moisture preference required by a healthy Acer palmatum. Ensure that companion plantings do not compete aggressively for water near the base of the maple.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Late Winter/Early Spring is the critical time for pruning. If you must prune, wait until late winter before buds swell, always avoiding late spring cuts to prevent sap bleed. In early spring, apply a slow-release fertilizer before leaf emergence to support seasonal growth.
Summer care focuses almost entirely on moisture management. Check soil moisture regularly; if the top inch is dry, provide a deep watering, especially in hot or windy weather, to prevent leaf scorch on the exquisite foliage of your Japanese maple.
Fall requires minimal intervention other than enjoying the spectacular crimson color change. In late fall, after dormancy is well underway, apply a fresh layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping the mulch pulled a few inches away from the trunk flare.
