Acer japonicum 'VITIFOLIUM'

The broader term Japanese maple includes several of the most common maple species commonly grown in East Asia, especially Japan. The most widespread species include the palmate maple (a. palmatum), the Shirasawan maple (a. shirasawanum) and the Japanese maple (a. japonicum). The last mentioned comes from the Japanese islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and South Korea. It naturally makes multi-stemmed, not very tall trees, yet taller than a. palmatum cultivars, or taller shrubs with showy, large leaves. It is easy to grow and usually does not suffer from the common diseases of acer palmatum.

Vitifolium is a long-time favourite of a Japanese maple variety, proved to thrive in almost any garden, and characterized by large, 8-15 cm wide, palmately rounded leaves, which are divided into 9 to 12 pointed lobes with serrated margins. The number of lobes distinguishes this species from all other a. palmatum varieties, which have significantly smaller leaves with a maximum of 7 lobes. They are deciduous, emerge bronze in spring, mature to bright green in summer, and put on a breathtaking show in shades of bright red, deep orange, and burgundy in fall. The name vitifolium refers to vitis (grapevine) due to the similarity of the shape of the leaves as well as the autumn colour of the dark-fruit vine varieties.

Along with newly emerging foliage, small, purplish-red flowers appear in spring and are followed by the typical winged seeds called samaras. Despite their quantity they are not too viable, so you need not worry about weeding your garden with new seedlings.

Vitifolium maple can grow up to 5 meters in height in ideal conditions, but not at a fast rate. It is predominantly upright and its branches are produced in an angle of 60 to 45° with the terminal which results in a relatively symmetrical and rounded habit.

Japanese maples need constantly moist soil that has to be well-drained, acidic to neutral, and medium fertile. Keep it mulched all year round. It loves a location with high air humidity, e.g. at a river bank or near a pond but it is not a must. Vitifolium maple withstands full sun in evenly moist soil, and may grow in partial shade, too. Full shade is not recommended. It is hardy to at least -29 °C (USDA zone 5), and is suitable for large outdoor planters, too, if kept moist but without a saucer.

Last update 03-03-2023