Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: Low

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Medium

Acer palmatum ‘Red Wings’ is a captivating cultivar of Japanese maple renowned for its vibrant foliage and distinctive red winged fruits. This deciduous tree is highly prized for its elegant form and the stunning colour transformations it displays throughout the seasons.

From spring to autumn, Acer palmatum ‘Red Wings’ offers an exceptional visual experience. In spring, delicate clusters of white-green flowers appear, soon followed by its signature vibrant red winged fruits that stand out beautifully against the summer foliage. The intricately lobed leaves emerge in a fresh greenish-red hue, maturing to a rich dark green edged with subtle reds by summer. As autumn approaches, the leaves transform into a spectacular display of crimson, orange, and gold, creating a rich tapestry of colours.

Ideal for courtyards, patios, and urban gardens, Acer palmatum ‘Red Wings’ thrives in well-drained soil with partial shade and offers a refined aesthetic that enhances any landscape. This Japanese maple cultivar is perfect for gardeners seeking a combination of unique fruiting features and breath taking autumn colour.

 

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Size

Small

4m high x 3m wide after 25 years

Environment

An excellent choice for adding colour and texture to a range of settings, particularly courtyards and urban spaces. Its compact size and vibrant foliage make it perfect for smaller areas where space is limited. Thanks to its adaptability and moderate size, it thrives in urban environments. Its elegant form and delicate leaves bring a sense of tranquillity and natural beauty, softening hard landscapes such as concrete, brick, or stone.

Canopy

An upright, loosely rounded habit that creates an elegant silhouette, with slender branches that arch gracefully. This delicate structure and natural form contribute to a sense of lightness and movement, making the canopy an eye-catching and attractive feature in any landscape. Its graceful and airy appearance adds a refined touch to outdoor spaces, enhancing their overall visual appeal.

Foliage

The tree's foliage features leaves that are noticeably larger than those of the typical Acer palmatum. The lobes are moderately to deeply divided, extending two-thirds to three-quarters of the way to the base, creating a textured and intricate appearance. This distinctive leaf shape adds depth and visual interest, enhancing the tree's overall appeal. In autumn, leaves turn a stunning yellow-orange with tints of red.

Fruit

Produces small, delicate, but vibrant red fruits known as samaras. These winged seeds, often referred to as 'helicopters' due to their spinning flight when they fall, appear in clusters and are initially green before maturing to red.

Resilience

Thrives in partial shade, providing protection against leaf scorch while also performing well in full sun. It prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, and demonstrates resilience to drought conditions. For optimal growth, it is important to shield the tree from intense, cold winds. It's adaptability and robustness make it a versatile choice for different environments and weather conditions.

FAQs

What are the ideal growing conditions for Acer palmatum ‘Red Wings’?

It thrives best in well-drained soil with partial shade, especially in hot climates, but can tolerate full sun in cooler areas. Protection from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun will help maintain its vibrant foliage.

How do the leaves of Acer palmatum ‘Red Wings’ change throughout the seasons?

New leaves emerge in a fresh greenish-red colour, mature to a dark green with red edges during summer, and then transform into brilliant shades of crimson, orange, and gold in autumn.

Does Acer palmatum ‘Red Wings’ require a lot of maintenance?

It is relatively low maintenance. Regular watering during dry periods and occasional pruning to maintain shape are usually sufficient.

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