Acer palmatum 'Little Red' (P)

Common name: Little Red Japanese Maple

Description: This compact cultivar of the Japanese Maple is perfect for smaller gardens and container growing. The small, delicate palmate leaves emerge in spring with bright red tones that gradually deepen to burgundy-red through the summer months. The foliage maintains good colour throughout the growing season, providing consistent interest. In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant scarlet and orange before dropping. 'Little Red' develops a neat, rounded habit with fine branching that creates an attractive, dense canopy. Despite its small stature, this variety makes a significant impact in the garden with its rich colour and refined appearance. It's particularly well-suited to Japanese-style gardens, rockeries, or as a focal point in mixed borders.

Other benefits: compact size ideal for small gardens, excellent container plant, good colour retention, neat growth habit

Wildlife attraction: bees, small birds for seeds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.5m x 1.5m

Position: full sun to partial shade; benefits from some afternoon shade in hot climates

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