Acer palmatum (Pot Size 19cm) Japanese Maple sold by Boma Garden Centre

Acer palmatum, commonly known as Japanese Maple, is one of the most refined and visually striking small trees you can grow in a UK garden. Listed by the Royal Horticultural Society and widely cultivated across Britain, it is prized for its delicately lobed, hand-shaped leaves and graceful branching habit.Through spring and summer, the foliage is typically fresh green, although many cultivated forms range from rich burgundy to soft lime. In autumn, the leaves transform into vivid shades of scarlet, crimson, orange or gold, creating a remarkable seasonal display.Japanese Maple works beautifully as a standalone specimen in a lawn, courtyard or gravel garden. It pairs particularly well with ferns, hostas, Hakonechloa grasses, and spring bulbs, where its fine foliage contrasts with broader leaves. In pots, it brings structure to patios and terraces, especially when underplanted with shade-tolerant perennials.Its elegant, layered form lends a calm, architectural quality — equally at home in contemporary urban gardens or more traditional planting schemes.