Acer palmatum 'TROMPENBURG' Japanese maple

Trompenburg Japanese maple was found as a seedling plant in Dutch arboretum of the same name in Rotterdam. Its unique foliage, vigorous growth, and good health are something that makes me wonder why it is not more widespread and available in European nurseries and garden centres as opposed to other commercially successful red-leaved varieties which are prone to diseases.

Trompenburg variety has extraordinary leaves which are botanically classified as palmate (like all Japanese maples) but in this case they DO look like a palm (hand) with long fingers since the lobes are so deep and prominent, and the edges are curled downwards. They emerge rich red and quickly turn burgundy red with some brown and bronze shades towards mid and late summer. Autumn colour is bright carmine red and glowing wine red.

Trompenburg maple grows vigorously at high speed when young, making some 30-40 cm per year, slowing down with age. It forms a typical broadly vase-shaped multistem or small tree with umbrella-shaped dense crown. It can be trimmed to shapes or pruned to be kept smaller, best of which is done in mid or late winter during frost-free periods.

This maple needs full sun all day in order to produce its key colour. Grow it in semi-fertile, acidic to neutral, moist but well drained soil. Keep it mulched all year round and avoid growing grass above its roots. It will love a location with high air humidity, e.g. at a river bank or near a pond, but it is not a must. On the other hand it will definitely not be too happy in a small paved yard surrounded by dry air and hot concrete. Fully hardy to abt. -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 08-11-2016