Plants of Merit: Japanese maple

Published 12:01 am Thursday, May 5, 2011

WHAT: Acer palmatum Shin De Shojo is a Japanese maple with varying show-stopping color variations throughout the year.

In early spring, its leaves emerge bright red and apricot and remain so for about six weeks. As summer nears, its leaves turn green, followed by a fiery show in the fall when they explode into brilliant orange tones.

SUN OR SHADE: Grow this tree in dappled sun or bright shade.

Shelter it from strong, cold spring winds to avoid leaf damage and be sure to provide well-drained soil. It cannot tolerate standing water.

It is a perfect tree for a large container.

SIZE: In 10 to 12 years it can reach 6 to 8 feet tall and wide.

SEE IT: You can find this plant at the Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett. Enter the arboretum through the periwinkle blue entrance columns and turn right toward the fernery. Walk over the bridge and you try not to swoon as you face Shin De Shojo for the first time. See www.evergreenarboretum.com for more about the arboretum.

Source: Sandra Schumacher/Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens