Beginner
skill rating
Online Garden Tools
Useful videos
Acer japonicum (Downy Japanese maple)
1 hour care
per year
per year
9m
Max height
Max height
9m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Acer japonicum
Other names
Downy Japanese maple, Japanese maple, Full moon maple, Full-moon maple, Amur maple
Genus
Acer Acer
Species
A. japonicum - A. japonicum is a large, bushy, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with rounded, lobed, mid-green leaves turning red in autumn and erect umbels of reddish-purple flowers in spring followed by winged fruit.
Acer japonicum is: Deciduous
Tree shape
Bushy, Spreading
Flower
Reddish-purple in Spring
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids , Horse chestnut scale Aphids , Horse chestnut scale
Verticillium wilt Verticillium wilt
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation methods
Grafting, Softwood cuttings
Sign up for your FREE ACCOUNT today or login to receive detailed monthly care instructions
Where to grow
Acer japonicum (Downy Japanese maple) will reach a height of 9m and a spread of 9m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, City, Low Maintenance, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant in moist but well-drained soil. Provide shelter from cold winds and late frosts. Leaf scorch can be caused by dry conditions or too much exposure. Water in dry periods.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Acer japonicum
Other names
Downy Japanese maple, Japanese maple, Full moon maple, Full-moon maple, Amur maple
Genus
Acer Acer
Species
A. japonicum - A. japonicum is a large, bushy, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with rounded, lobed, mid-green leaves turning red in autumn and erect umbels of reddish-purple flowers in spring followed by winged fruit.
Native to
Japan
Foliage
Deciduous
Tree shape
Bushy, Spreading
Create your free Shoot garden
Create your free SHOOT garden and make a record of the plants in your garden.
Add your own photos, notes, get monthly email reminders on how to care for your plants, and connect with other gardeners. Get started now.
Colour
Flower
Reddish-purple in Spring
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation methods
Grafting, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
Get access to monthly care advice
Create a free SHOOT account and get instant access to expert care advice for this and other plants in your garden.
You'll also receive handy monthly email reminders of what needs doing. Create your free account.
Where to grow
Acer japonicum (Downy Japanese maple) will reach a height of 9m and a spread of 9m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, City, Low Maintenance, Foliage only
Cultivation
Plant in moist but well-drained soil. Provide shelter from cold winds and late frosts. Leaf scorch can be caused by dry conditions or too much exposure. Water in dry periods.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
COMPANION PLANTS
To add ? to your lists,
login to your account or subscribe.
Find out more about plant lists here
or Login
To add notes for this plant login to your account or register for a new account.
Sign up for freeor Login
To add images for this plant login to your account or register for a new account.
Sign up for freeor Login
To check if this plant is suitable for your garden first login to your account or subscribe.
or Login