Acer palmatum

Among these were our two Japanese acers, Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' and Acer 'Aconitifolium'.

This week's online offer is for an Acer palmatum dissectum Seiryu for just pounds 5.

Bright sunshine does not suit every plant; you may see the stripes on your clematis Nelly Moser fade and the foliage of Acer palmatum shrivel up.

The tree was Acer palmatum "Osakasuzi" and the experience was a revelation.

The beauty of these elegant trees is in the leaf colour in the different seasons as well as their seeming fragility, especially among species such as Acer palmatum atropurpureum, which turns to rich red.

Good container varieties include Acer palmatum var.

Strong growing varieties such as Acer palmatum Bloodgood, with purple-red foliage, are the best to choose where a red-leaved tree of around 3-4m is required," said Andrew.

Acer palmatum "Kotohime" is an eye-catching dwarf variety that will be perfectly happy in a pot.

Q I repotted my acer Palmatum (Japanese maple) last year but there is no sign of new leaves, although there is colour on the trunk and main branches.

Try Acer palmatum "Sango-kaku" which has coral branches and leaves which turn yellow in autumn.

Look for Japanese maples: Acer palmatum 'Orangeola'

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' is one of the best, with its archetypal oriental shape and stunning purple foliage from late March through to its swan-song in October when the purple pigment fades and the reds and oranges of autumn appear.

Strong growing varieties such as Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', with purple-red foliage, are the best to choose where a red-leaved tree of around 3-4m is required," Andrew recommends.

The rich, deep reds of Japanese maples such as Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' contrast beautifully with the yellowing leaves of silver birch, while Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) provide additional warmth with their orange, lantern-shaped fruits.

Orders over pounds 40 will receive a free Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum worth pounds 11.