Acer palmatum 'Extravaganza' (v)

Common name: Extravaganza Variegated Japanese Maple

Description: This spectacular variegated Japanese maple cultivar lives up to its name with truly extravagant foliage displays throughout the growing season. The deeply lobed, palmate leaves emerge with striking cream to white margins contrasting beautifully with the green centres, creating a bright, eye-catching effect. As the season progresses, the variegation intensifies, with some leaves developing pink tints along the cream edges, particularly in sunny positions. The plant maintains a compact, upright to rounded habit with elegant branching that showcases the colourful foliage to perfection. In autumn, 'Extravaganza' provides a final flourish as the leaves transform into a spectacular display of yellow, orange, and red tones before falling. Like many variegated maples, this cultivar requires careful positioning to prevent leaf scorch while maintaining good variegation intensity. The attractive winter silhouette adds structural interest even when leafless.

Other benefits: spectacular autumn colour, attractive winter branching structure, excellent specimen or container plant

Wildlife attraction: provides shelter for small birds and beneficial insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 2m

Position: dappled shade to morning sun with afternoon shade; needs protection from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch

Soil pH: prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils; avoid very alkaline conditions

Moisture: requires consistent moisture; not drought tolerant; benefits from regular watering and mulching; avoid waterlogged conditions

Winter hardiness: hardy; cold hardy to -18°C; young growth may be damaged by late spring frosts