Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’ – A Classic Red Japanese Maple for Year-Round Elegance
Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’ is a stunning Japanese Maple renowned for its deep purple-red foliage, graceful branching, and striking seasonal colour changes. This elegant, small deciduous tree offers vibrant interest from spring through autumn, with its finely lobed leaves emerging rich burgundy-red in spring, deepening in summer, and transforming into brilliant crimson in fall. Its compact size and delicate, airy canopy make it perfect for small gardens, courtyards, and containers, where it provides architectural beauty and year-round appeal.
Why Grow Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’?
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Striking Purple-Red Foliage – Deep burgundy leaves create a bold, elegant statement.
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Brilliant Fall Color – Leaves turn fiery red, adding a spectacular autumn display.
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Graceful, Spreading Habit – Forms a delicate, layered canopy with beautiful branching.
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Perfect for Small Gardens – A slow-growing tree that fits well in compact spaces and containers.
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Low Maintenance & Hardy – Easy to grow with minimal care, thriving in a variety of settings.
Height of Plant
Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’ reaches a height of 3–4.5 meters, making it an ideal ornamental tree for gardens of all sizes
Where to Site Your Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’
This Japanese Maple thrives in partial shade to full sun, with rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It’s perfect for woodland gardens, courtyards, patios, and as a focal point in mixed borders. It pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, rhododendrons, and ornamental grasses, creating a serene and harmonious planting scheme.
How to Grow and Care for Your Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’
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Soil – Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; benefits from organic matter.
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Light – Grows best in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
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Watering – Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first few years; avoid waterlogging.
Maintenance:
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Mulching – Apply mulch in spring to retain moisture and protect roots.
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Pruning – Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.
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Protection from Harsh Sun – In hot climates, some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
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Winter Care – Young trees benefit from wind protection in colder climates.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’ pairs well with evergreens, hostas, ferns, azaleas, hydrangeas, and ornamental grasses, creating a balanced, Japanese-inspired garden design. For dramatic contrast, plant it alongside golden or silver-foliaged plants like Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Japanese Forest Grass).
With its rich burgundy foliage, compact elegance, and year-round beauty, Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpurea’ is an outstanding choice for any garden. Whether as a standalone specimen or part of a mixed planting, this Japanese Maple brings timeless charm, striking color, and graceful form to any landscape.
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.