What: Acer palmatum “Katsura” is one of the more popular Japanese maples because it produces fantastic pale orange-yellow spring foliage, which gradually fades to a medium green in early summer. The soft oranges and yellows return during the fall leaf drop. This is an excellent tree for small gardens and large patio containers.
Tip: Well-pruned Japanese maples are an art form in the garden and require an expert touch, so consult an experienced pruner or take local classes before attempting to prune.
Size: This Japanese maple grows to be 18 feet tall and 18 feet wide when mature.
Where: This lovely upright grower develops the best spring and fall foliage color in full sun to open shade. Japanese maples are surprisingly flexible in their soil requirements. Although they will grow best in a rich well-drained soil, they will also do well in sandy soils and clay.
Water: “Katsura” is very resistant to the leaves burning at the tips during the summer, but regular watering during dry weather helps maintain the tree at its best.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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