Description
Acer palmatum 'Garnet' shrub 350-400 cm C1040 | Japanese maple
A Japanese maple shrub brings the distinctive character of Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’ to the garden in a compact, spreading form. This is the shrub form of the cultivar, growing to approximately 200 cm at maturity and developing a bushy, full and low silhouette rather than the appearance of a tall tree. The deeply divided, palmate leaves are red to deep burgundy, with orange-red tones possible as the season develops. In autumn, the foliage provides an attractive display of red and orange-red colour before falling. As a deciduous plant, it offers seasonal change and clear structure in a border, patio container or Japanese-style garden. Small red to reddish-purple flowers appear in April and May. They are a secondary feature compared with the richly coloured foliage, but add interest in spring. The shrub can also produce fruits. Once established, it is generally low maintenance, although it is sensitive to drying out. A sheltered position is important, as strong wind and intense afternoon sun can damage the foliage. For more plants from the same genus, explore acer.
Key features of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’)
- Foliage and flowering: The deeply divided palmate leaves range from red to burgundy, with attractive orange-red autumn colour. Small red to reddish-purple flowers appear in April and May, but the foliage remains the main ornamental feature.
- Growth and form: Supplied as a Japanese maple shrub, this plant develops a moderate ornamental growth habit with a compact, bushy and spreading outline. It creates a full, low silhouette, making it visually different from tree-trained presentations.
- Position and wind: Choose partial shade to sun in a sheltered position. Avoid strong afternoon sun where possible, and protect the foliage from strong winds, especially in an exposed UK garden. It is suitable for a patio pot or container.
- Soil and moisture: Plant in humus-rich, slightly acidic soil that is well drained, open and well aerated. The soil should remain slightly moist, with even moisture through the growing season. Avoid both waterlogged and drying conditions. This plant is available within low-growing shrubs.
Uses of the Japanese maple shrub in the garden
- Specimen planting: Use this red Japanese maple as a specimen in a border or as a focal plant near a seating area. Its spreading, bushy shape gives a full, low presence that can be appreciated from close range.
- Patios and containers: The compact form is suitable for a patio pot or container, where the deeply divided red leaves can provide seasonal colour. It also works well in a Japanese-style garden, where its outline adds calm structure and visual depth.
- Hardiness: Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’ is hardy to approximately -23.3°C to -12.2°C, corresponding to USDA zones 6 to 8. This is general guidance, not a guarantee, as conditions can vary between UK gardens and local microclimates.
- Plant combinations: Combine the shrub with plants that enjoy a sheltered position, humus-rich soil and consistent moisture. Shade-tolerant perennials, ferns, grasses and other ornamental shrubs with compatible light and soil needs can create a woodland-style planting scheme.
- Ornamental value: The strongest features are the red, deeply divided foliage, the orange-red autumn colour and the compact spreading silhouette. Together, they add colour and structure without relying on a tall tree-trained form.
This Japanese maple shrub is particularly suited to gardeners seeking richly coloured foliage and a compact, spreading focal plant for a sheltered border, patio container or Japanese-style planting.
