While most flowers fade in November, one plant shines brighter than ever.Meet the Japanese maple.

Japanese maples, scientifically known as Acer palmatum, are ornamental trees. They are typically small in stature, but may be short and squat, or gracefully slender.

Elegant in any form, their biggest value lies in their stunning foliage.

Great balls of fire

Japanese maples come in various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for small and large gardens.

They are deciduous trees or shrubs known for their distinctive palmate leaves, resembling a hand with outstretched fingers.

Most of the year, the lacey leaves are some version of burgundy. In the fall, they turn to fiery hues of scarlet, magenta and blood orange, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

A tree for you, a tree for me

There are lots of varieties of Japanese maples to choose from. These are a few of my favorites.

• Tried and true: The ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple is one of the most popular varieties, widely available at most garden centers. They sport maroon leaves in the summer that change to a bright crimson in the fall.

• Small spaces: The ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ variety is another classic. Growing only 8’ tall, it’s a lovely dwarf option for even tiny gardens.

• Fast grower: ‘Suminagashi' is one of the fastest growing Japanese maples, with striking scarlet autumn color.

• For containers: You can’t go wrong with ‘Virdis,’ which features weeping branches of lime green leaves in the summer. The leaves shine in glowing golds and ruby red as the seasons change. It can grow up to 10ft but can be easily trimmed to stay around 4ft.

Planting and caring for your maple tre

As with any planting, choosing the right spot is key.

Japanese maples thrive in dappled sun or part-shade conditions. They are happy in most soils, but do not like to be waterlogged.

Once you find the ideal location, planting is as simple as digging a hole and planting the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. 

These trees take well to pruning, but do not require it. If you want to keep your maple a particular shape or height, prune in late winter or early spring, while the tree is still dormant but not exposed to extreme temperatures.

🍄 What I’m inspired by

Greta Gerwig’s Little Women.

November, in my eyes, is the perfect time to cozy up with a watch (or read!) of this story. The story makes me smile and the set and costume designs are lovely. Plus, I love Saoirse Ronan.

🌸 Flower I’m admiring

The ethereal flowers by painter Daniel Keys.

A beautiful floral oil painting will, without fail, stop me dead in my tracks.

His work is touched with a transcendent, impressionistic quality that feels marked by an intangible levity and, simultaneously, grounded in the authenticity of nature.

I have a ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple in the garden that is stunning against our white house. I think I’d like to add another in the backyard.

Do you have any Japanese maples? Reply and let me know which type(s)!

Xx,

Courtney