Acer palmatum ‘Phoenix’ – Fiery Red Foliage with Year-Round Impact
Acer palmatum ‘Phoenix’ is a striking Japanese maple, prized for its vivid red foliage that brings bold colour and elegance to the garden. Fresh leaves emerge bright red in spring, holding strong colour through summer before intensifying to fiery crimson tones in autumn.
Its upright, well-balanced habit makes it a versatile choice for borders, containers, and feature planting. Unlike more spreading varieties, ‘Phoenix’ offers a neat, structured form, making it especially suitable for smaller gardens or where vertical interest is needed without excessive width.
The finely cut leaves create a soft, delicate texture, contrasting beautifully with its bold colouring. When planted in a sheltered spot with dappled light, the foliage maintains its richness and avoids scorching, ensuring a long season of vibrant display.
Hardy and relatively low maintenance, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and benefits from protection from strong winds. Minimal pruning is required, allowing its natural form to develop gracefully over time.
Bright, elegant, and full of seasonal drama, Acer ‘Phoenix’ is an excellent choice for adding colour, structure, and refined beauty to the garden.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Bright red foliage emerges with strong colour.
Summer: Leaves hold deep red tones.
Autumn: Fiery crimson display intensifies.
Winter: Bare branches reveal graceful structure.
Key Features
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Vivid red foliage – Long-lasting colour through the seasons.
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Upright habit – Neat and well-balanced form.
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Strong autumn display – Brilliant crimson tones.
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Compact size – Suitable for smaller gardens.
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Low maintenance – Minimal pruning required.
Perfect For
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Feature planting – Eye-catching focal point.
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Containers – Ideal for patios and courtyards.
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Small gardens – Compact and manageable.
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Japanese-style planting – Elegant addition.
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Mixed borders – Adds colour and structure.
Growing Tips
Sun/Position: Partial shade; protect from strong sun and wind.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil preferred.
Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK with shelter.
Care: Minimal pruning; remove dead or crossing branches if required.
Looks Great With
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Grasses – Hakonechloa, Carex.
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Evergreens – Pinus, Ilex, small conifers.
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Shade planting – Ferns, Hostas, Heuchera.
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Water features – Enhances reflective planting.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
