Japanese Maple

How to grow Japanese Maple

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Site is everything with this plant. Give it shelter from cold spring winds, which brown the emerging leaves, and from hot afternoon sun, which scorches the margins later on. Mulch with leaf mould or composted bark and avoid disturbing the shallow roots.

Pruning

Prune as little as possible, and only in late summer or autumn to avoid bleeding. Restrict cuts to removing dead, crossing or badly placed branches; the natural layered shape is the point of the tree.

Propagation

Seed of the species germinates after cold stratification, but seedlings vary. Named cultivars are grafted, which is not straightforward for an amateur.

Pests and diseases

Verticillium wilt is the serious one, causing sudden branch dieback with staining in the wood; there is no cure and infected soil should not be replanted with maples. Aphids and scale insects are common but minor.

Value to wildlife

Limited direct value to UK wildlife, though the dense canopy gives shelter and nesting cover.

Notes

Grows well in a large container if watered consistently and repotted every few years. The finely dissected forms are the most easily scorched and want the most sheltered positions.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Acer palmatum but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Acer