April Plant of the Month - Japanese Acers
Bring elegance, colour & calm to your garden this spring. This April, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most graceful and captivating plants in the garden — the Japanese Acer. As our Plant of the Month, these ornamental maples are stealing the show, and it’s easy to see why. With their delicate foliage, sculptural form, and fiery seasonal colours, Japanese acers offer year-round interest and timeless style.
At our garden centre, we’ve seen a huge increase in interest around Japanese acers, especially from customers looking to add colour and structure to smaller spaces. Whether you’re planting in a border, potting for the patio, or designing a calm, contemplative corner, acers offer a stunning solution that works in almost any setting.
Why Choose a Japanese Acer?
Japanese acers, also known as Acer palmatum, are prized for their striking leaf shapes and dramatic colour shifts. In spring, they burst into life with fresh foliage in shades of lime green, soft red, and amber. As the months pass, they deepen into rich burgundy, flame orange, and deep purple before putting on an unforgettable display of autumn colour.
But it’s not just their beauty that makes them popular — acers are surprisingly easy to care for. Their slow growth habit and compact size make them ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, and containers. Some varieties reach just 1.5–2 metres at maturity, making them perfect for balconies or terraces too.
Why We Love Them
- Seasonal Showstoppers – Fresh, vibrant spring foliage that intensifies through summer and ends in a spectacular autumn display
- Versatile & Compact – Ideal for containers, courtyards, and shaded borders
- Low Maintenance – Naturally tidy growers that require minimal pruning or feeding
- Peaceful Planting – Perfect for Japanese-style gardens and calming corners
This Month’s Staff Picks
- 'Orange Dream' – A springtime stunner with glowing golden leaves
- 'Moonrise' – Compact and neat, with rich burgundy tones
- 'Garnet' – Finely cut leaves in a deep, dramatic red
- 'Sango-kaku' (Coral Bark Maple) – Light green foliage paired with vivid coral-red winter stems
Acer Care Tips
- Plant in shelter – Acers prefer a spot out of strong wind and harsh midday sun
- Soil matters – Use ericaceous compost or ensure soil is slightly acidic and free-draining
- Water with care – Keep the soil moist, especially in dry weather. Rainwater is best
- Feed lightly – A slow-release feed in spring is all they need
We love acers not only for their beauty, but for their ability to bring calm and balance into a space. They work beautifully in Japanese-inspired gardens, but also add a refined touch to cottage, contemporary, or wildlife-friendly designs.
Pop in and explore our full selection of acers — we have a wide range of sizes and colours in stock now, from young starter trees to stunning specimen plants, and our team is always on hand with advice to help you pick the perfect one for your space.
