Acer pal. Garnet

Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a laceleaf Japanese maple forming a graceful, low, cascading dome with finely dissected foliage. Leaves emerge deep garnet-red in spring, hold rich red tones through summer, and develop good autumn colour. Slow growing and naturally compact, it is ideal as a focal point in sheltered courtyards or large containers, and in borders where soils are fertile, humus-rich and moist but well drained. For best results in Irish gardens, plant in partial shade and a sheltered position to reduce leaf scorch from strong sun and drying winds; pruning is rarely needed beyond removing dead or crossing shoots in late winter.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Partial shade; shelter from cold, drying winds

Rate of Growth: Slow

Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil; preferably slightly acidic to neutral

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Plant at a Glance