Japanese Maple 'Dissectum' (Acer Palmatum Dissectum) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 31st Jan 2024
- Plant Characteristics: Distinguished by its finely-cut, delicate leaves and a graceful, weeping form, Acer palmatum 'Dissectum' is a standout in any garden. Its foliage offers a spectacular display of color from spring to fall.
- Growing & Care: Prefers sheltered locations with partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. It's sensitive to extreme temperatures and wind, so positioning is crucial. Consistent moisture and mulching are key to its well-being.
- Tips for New Gardeners: This maple is a rewarding choice for beginners who can provide attentive care. Focus on protecting it from harsh elements. Regular watering and occasional pruning will enhance its stunning form and foliage.
Acer palmatum dissectum makes a great plant for growing in your borders, as a stand alone specimen tree, and it also looks great when grown in containers.
How to Grow Japanese Maple in your Garden
Most of the commonly grown cultivars reach between 1.5 to 2.5 m (40 to 100 inches) in height, with a spread of 2.5 to 4 meters (100 to 160 inches).
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum Dissectum' photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking, creative Commons.
As a deciduous shrub or small tree, it carries attractive palmate leaves in spring through autumn. These leaves turn a deep red orange or yellow in the autumn. It's flowers are small and purple.
Plants perform well in US zones 5 to 8, and it is rated as UK hardiness H6.
Waterfall variety photograph by F. D. Richards; CC.
For best results, grow in partial shaded areas with slightly acidic soil. It is important to have good drainage. Be sure to keep the Acer Palmatum Dissectum plant moist by watering in the summer. Provide Protection from the wind.
Japanese Maple Tree cultivars
Some of the most frequently grown cultivars include hindeshojo; Katsura; Bloodgood; Okushimo; Osakazuki; Hana Matoi; Variegatum; and Senkaki
Acer Palmatum Dissectum 'Variegatum' by Warren Wang.
Japanese Maple Dissectum photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking; CC.
Acer palmatum Dissectum Video Growing Guide
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Acer palmatum Var. Dissectum Growing and Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Acer palmatum Dissectum
- Common Name: Japanese maple, Threadleaf Japanese maple, Laceleaf Japanese maple, Cutleaf Japanese maple .
- Growing Zone: USDA: 5 to 9. RHS H6 (Hardy thoughout Europe down to -20°C (-4°F).
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or Tree.
- Native: East Asia.
Plant Details
- Plant Height: Typically 6 to 12 feet (2 to 4 m), can reach heights of 25 to 40 feet (7.5 to 12 m).
- Plant Spread: 9 to 15 feet (3 to 5 m).
- Time of Bloom: Middle of Spring.
- Flower Details: Red. Umbels.
- Leaf Foliage: Green. Palmate. 5 to 9 (usually 7) lobes. Toothed. Lace-like. Leaves can turn yellow, purple, red, and Bronze during the Leaf fall of autumn.
- Fruit: Samaras. Winged. Early and mid-autumn.
- Growth Form: Bushy habit, Rounded. Low branches. Drooping.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Partial Shade to full sunlight. Afternoon shade may help to prevent leaf scorch in hot areas.
- Rate of Growth: Grows slowly. Takes 10 to 20 years to reach full size.
- Suitable Soil Types: Slightly Acidic, Rich, Sandy, Loam, Sandy.
- Soil Moisture: Well drained, Moist.
Caring Conditions
- Care: Medium watering to keep soil moist. Use a mulch to help retain soil moisture and to prevent leaf scorch. Do not grow in windy areas (or provide protection).
- Level of Maintenance: Low to medium.
- Propagation: Grafting or soft-wood cuttings.
- How to Prune: Requires little to no pruning. In some cases hard pruning can be disruptive as plants readily bleed. If pruning is needed to remove decayed or diseases branches then do so in the winter to prevent bleeding.
- Pests: Aphids, Horse chestnut scale, Root weevils, Mites.
- Diseases: Leaf spot, Verticillium wilt, Stem canker.
Further Information
- Can Attract: Hummingbirds, Insects, Squirels and Rabbits.
- Tolerant of: Rabbit, Black Walnut.
- Best Garden Use and Location: Fall color, Cascades, Specimen, Patio plant, Borders, Close to water.
- Further Reading and References: Here and Here
- Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry family).
- Closely Related Family Members: Yellowhorn; Cardiospermum Vine; and Horse chestnut.
- Miscellaneous: Non-native to North America, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms,
- Further Species and Cultivar Details: Acer palmatum and Acer palmatum Atropurpureum.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Acer Palmatum Dissectum. You may also enjoy the following tree growing guides: How to grow Dragon Tree and Jacaranda mimosifolia.
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