Acer palmatum var. atropurpureum, often referred to as the Japanese Purple Upright Maple, is a splendid deciduous tree known for its vibrant purple leaves that offer a stunning visual throughout the seasons. This mature specimen is perfect for creating a focal point in any landscape, providing year-round interest with its unique colour and elegant structure.

Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous
Mature Height (metres): Typically reaches about 4-6 metres.
Mature Width (metres): Approximately 4-5 metres.
Spacing: Plant at least 4-5 metres apart from other trees or structures to ensure full growth potential and proper air circulation.
Foliage: Features rich purple leaves that turn even darker in fall, offering a striking contrast against the typical greens and yellows of the season.
Flowering Period: The tree produces inconspicuous red flowers in the spring, which are subtle but add to the overall charm of the tree when noticed.
Fruit: After flowering, it develops small red samaras that mature in late summer to early fall, providing additional ornamental value.
Form/Habit: Boasts a rounded to upright growth habit, making it an excellent choice for adding architectural interest to garden landscapes.
Uses: Ideal for use as a specimen tree due to its unique colour and upright growth. It is also popular in themed gardens, such as Japanese and zen gardens, and works well in mixed borders for contrasting foliage textures and colours.
Sun: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In regions with particularly hot summers, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
Maintenance: Low maintenance; requires occasional pruning to maintain shape and health, removing any crossed or damaged branches.
Water Requirement: Moderate; requires consistent watering to establish a deep and extensive root system, especially beneficial during dry spells.

The Mature Japanese Purple Upright Maple is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add lasting elegance and a touch of dramatic flair to their garden with its richly coloured foliage and graceful growth habit.

Japanese 'Purple' Maple Upright

Acer Palmatum ‘Atropurpureum'