Acer shirasawanum Aureum 80 cm st. Deco 18L. head 50-60

Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' is a refined, slow-growing small tree prized for its luminous yellow foliage. Rounded, deeply lobed leaves emerge bright yellow to chartreuse in spring, colour best in light shade through summer, and often develop warm orange-red tints in autumn. Grow in a sheltered spot, out of hot afternoon sun and drying winds, in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil that is preferably acidic to neutral; avoid waterlogging and very alkaline (chalky) conditions. An excellent specimen for woodland-style planting, courtyards, and large containers, with an eventual size typically around 4–8m over time.

This is a standard tree with a clear stem and a shaped crown above. The tree was grown up to this stem height and then pruned to stop the trunk growing taller. The clear stem will remain at the height you receive it at, with future growth coming from the top of the tree.

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: Light shade; shelter from hot sun and drying winds

Rate of Growth: Slow

Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; preferably acidic to neutral

Hardiness: Hardy in most UK regions (to around -20°C)

Plant at a Glance