Acer palmatum 'Summer Gold' (P)

Common name: Summer Gold Japanese Maple

Description: This vibrant cultivar of the Japanese Maple is prized for its brilliant golden-yellow foliage that provides a stunning contrast in the garden. The palmate leaves emerge in spring with bright lime-green tones that quickly develop into rich golden-yellow, maintaining this cheerful colour throughout the summer months. The five-lobed leaves have a slightly smaller, more delicate appearance than some other cultivars. In autumn, the foliage transforms to warm orange and red tones before dropping. This variety develops a graceful, rounded habit with elegant branching that creates an attractive canopy. The bright foliage makes an excellent focal point and provides a beautiful backdrop for darker-leaved plants.

Other benefits: season-long golden colour, excellent contrast plant, compact growth habit, outstanding autumn display

Wildlife attraction: bees, small birds for seeds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 2.5m

Position: partial shade to dappled sunlight; requires protection from intense afternoon sun

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions

Moisture: consistent moisture preferred; mulching beneficial; avoid waterlogged conditions

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -25°C