Species
Photo to come
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
A small ornamental maple prized for delicate foliage and fall color; laceleaf (dissectum) cultivars like Crimson Queen form weeping mounds.
Sun
part shade (esp. afternoon shade in hot, high-UV climates); laceleaf/dissectum types most sensitive
Water
moderate
Mature size
dissectum (e.g. Crimson Queen) ~8-10 ft × ~10-12 ft
Bloom
Inconspicuous — grown for foliage, not flowers.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–8
Care guide
Quick ID
Small ornamental maple (*Acer palmatum*). Laceleaf / dissectum cultivars such as 'Crimson Queen' form low, weeping, finely-dissected mounds.
Sun & Site
Prefers part shade — afternoon shade matters in Draper's hot, high-UV summers to prevent leaf scorch, especially for laceleaf types. Keep soil consistently moist; protect from drying wind.
Pruning & Shaping
Minimal pruning. Thin for structure in the dormant season; avoid heavy cuts. For laceleaf forms, light shaping enhances the cascading habit.
Notes
A Crimson Queen in a full-sun bed (as in NW3) may show afternoon leaf stress — watch for scorch and consider afternoon shade if it struggles.
In my garden
backyard north‘Crimson Queen (weeping)’ · 1 plant
| Sun | Full sun |
| Soil | sandy loam, fast percolation |
| Water source | Culinary |
| Hardiness here | Zone 7 |
1
Plants
What I've done here
- 2026-05Spring mulch push (May 12–16)
- 2026-04-09Pre-emergent applied
- 2026-03-26Crimson Queen — dead branch removed