Acer palmatum (Dissectum group) 'TAMUKEYAMA' Japanese maple

Tamukeyama is an old variety of Japanese maple. It is mentioned in Japanese literature as early as in 1710. It is one of the most preferred varieties among nurseries around the world thanks to its reliable yearly growths, strong branches and suitability for very hot locations. It can do well even in zone 9.

Tamukeyama is a sort of a chameleon. Its finely cut, deciduous leaves emerge bright red, turn burgundy red in May and June, their colour deepens to crimson red with some brown hues in summer and then turn shiny carmine red in autumn while leaves inside the plant turn green. In very hot regions of Southern Europe it tends to change to green completely for the hottest days of summer.

Its shape is quite irregular compared so some other cut-leaf varieties. The branches form cascades and their ends droop filling up the overall structure only with age. You can prune it any way you like at the end of winter. It will grow some 2m tall and 3m wide. Only 100-year-old specimens are known to have twice as much.

Japanese maples prefer acidic to neutral soil, moist but well drained, semi-fertile. Fully hardy to -27°C (USDA zone 5b), older plants to -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 06-01-2012