ACER palmatum 'Orange Dream'

Description: Common name: Japanese maple 'Orange Dream'. A highly sought after form of Japanese maple. Slowly grows to a small tree with finely cut palmate leaves. The unusual feature is the yellow orange colouring of the leaves throughout spring and early summer, turning greenish in summer and then golden yellow in autumn against green stems. Excellent in any lightly shaded spot or in a container

Climate/Position: For best colour prefers dappled shade in a sheltered spot to avoid leaf scorch in full sun or from frost and cold winds

Height/Spread: Ultimately can reach 3x3 metres. Grow as small multi stemmed tree or large shrub

Soil Requirements: Better on acid / neutral soils for best leaf colours. Must be well drained - loamy sand would be ideal (dislikes winter wet)

Pruning: Best to avoid any pruning except formative shaping in early years if needed, and removal of any closely crossing or dead branches

Special Requirements: Avoid sunny position as this may scorch the leaves and cause browning of the edges