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One of the most popular ornamental trees you can find is, without a doubt, the Weeping Japanese Maple tree. This kind of maple serves as an excellent focal point in an ornamental bed, since it does not grow too much, and its leaves, shape and color add an interesting touch to any garden. It is coveted for its stunning fall colors, which include bright reds, fiery oranges, yellows and rich browns. Although it is not very easy to maintain, it can thrive if given the right conditions.
The botanical name for the Weeping Japanese Maple Tree is Acer Palmatum Dissectum. This tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub, with cascading branches that produce finely divided leaves. The leaves can have anywhere between 5 and 11 lobes. If the latter is the case, it will provide a lacey effect. It can grow between 6 and 8 feet tall, and, being a weeping tree, it is generally wider than it is high. Weeping Japanese Maple trees need minimum pruning once they are established. There are many varieties of Weeping Japanese Maple trees. There are trees with pale green leaves that turn yellow in the fall, and other varieties, like Acer Palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum, which bears purple-red new leaves which turn green in the summer and then crimson or orange in the fall. Another variety, Acer Palmatum Dissectum “Crimson Queen” has purple leaves which turn bright red in the fall.
Weeping Japanese Maple trees need a rich soil, with a high percentage of organic material. It is advisable to amend the soil with leaf mold, peat moss or any other natural organic fertilizer before planting. After it is planted, it needs fertilizing once a year by adding in a slow-release fertilizer. It thrives in cool soil with a high degree of moisture. It likes mild climates, and its leaves can show burn spots in hot and dry climates or during spells of hot, dry weather if it is not watered. The ideal place for a weeping Japanese Maple tree is in partial shade (especially in hot, dry areas), away from the searing sun, somewhere where it is sheltered from frosts and strong winds. It is of extreme importance to water it, especially in the summer months.
Weeping Japanese Maple trees produce small, purple red flowers around mid-spring, which then turn into winged seeds. It is possible to get new specimens from those seeds, but the most popular method of propagation is grafting. These trees can also be grown in containers, as long as the soil is rich and well-drained and it is watered frequently, especially in the summer. Repotting is necessary after about three years, as is yearly fertilizing.
As has been stated before, Weeping Japanese Maple trees are an excellent choice for adding interest to the landscape, especially in the fall. Their stunning reds and purples will provide a vivid contrast with the rest of the planting scheme. They are not difficult to maintain as long as all the conditions mentioned above are met. Include it in your landscape design. You won’t be disappointed!
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about trees and shrubs and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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