Tamukeyama Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Tamukeyama')

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama', commonly known as Tamukeyama Japanese Maple, is a beautiful cultivar of Japanese Maple renowned for its deeply dissected, burgundy-red foliage and cascading form. Here's an overview of this stunning ornamental tree:

Characteristics:

Foliage: The most striking feature of 'Tamukeyama' is its deeply dissected leaves, which emerge in spring with a vibrant burgundy-red color. As the season progresses, the foliage may deepen to a rich purple-red or retain its burgundy hue, depending on the growing conditions and sun exposure. In fall, the leaves turn fiery crimson, creating a spectacular display of autumn color.

Form: 'Tamukeyama' has a cascading or weeping form with gracefully arching branches that cascade downward. The branches form a dense, mounding habit, creating an elegant silhouette. The tree typically grows wider than it does tall, making it well-suited for use as a focal point or specimen planting.

Size: This Japanese Maple cultivar typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) with a similar spread at maturity. Its compact size and cascading form make it ideal for small gardens, courtyards, containers, and as an understory tree in larger landscapes.

Flowers and Fruits: While the primary attraction of 'Tamukeyama' is its foliage, it may produce inconspicuous red flowers in spring. These are followed by small, winged samaras (seeds), although they are typically not a prominent feature of the tree.

Winter Interest: In winter, after the foliage has dropped, the graceful form and branching structure of 'Tamukeyama' provide architectural interest to the landscape. The bare branches reveal the tree's elegant silhouette, making it an attractive addition to the winter garden.

Environmental Requirements:

Sunlight: Plant 'Tamukeyama' Japanese Maple in a location that receives partial shade to full sun. While it can tolerate some morning sun, it prefers dappled shade or filtered sunlight, especially in hot climates, to protect its delicate foliage from scorching.

Soil: Provide well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Japanese Maples prefer soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss can improve soil structure and fertility.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the tree's establishment period after planting. Japanese Maples prefer evenly moist soil and may suffer from leaf scorch if allowed to dry out excessively. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and regulates soil temperature.

Pruning: Prune 'Tamukeyama' Japanese Maple sparingly to maintain its graceful form and remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring when the tree is dormant.

Fertilizing: Japanese Maples generally do not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if desired to promote healthy growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of color and form.

'Tamukeyama' Japanese Maple is a breathtaking ornamental tree prized for its stunning foliage, graceful form, and vibrant autumn color. With its compact size, cascading branches, and rich burgundy-red leaves, it adds beauty and elegance to gardens, landscapes, and container plantings, providing year-round interest and enjoyment.