Acer palmatum 'DISSECTUM NIGRUM'

Japanese maples are very decorative and usually not very tall shrubs, exceptionally small to mid-sized trees with spectacular foliage and a picturesque habit. There are many varieties making several shades of green, chartreuse, red to maroon, and even variegated foliage. One would say we have seen them all but then a new variety appears and suddenly we are looking a new hottie asking for our attention.

Dissectum Nigrum is a laceleaf Japanese maple from the dissectum group. When describing it, it is commonly compared to similar varieties Garnet and Tamukeyama. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree with deeply incised, palmately divided, lace-like leaves whose segments are conspicuously more separated from each other than in Garnet, and the leaves are not as drooping as in Tamukeyama. In spring they emerge pale bronze with a silvery tinge and soon darken to an attractive and very dark shade of maroon, hence its name nigrum. In autumn they turn a brilliant shade of carmine red.

It naturally grows slowly when it comes to height, and moderately in spread. If you are looking for a tall rather than wide plant, tie up the central leader to a support, a thicker bamboo stick will do. The side branches will always be arching making almost a mushroom-like head and picturesque veils of fine foliage.

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. Dissectum Nigrum maple makes the best foliage colour in full sun and constantly moist soil, and naturally grows in partial shade, too. Full shade is not recommended. It is hardy to at least -29 °C (USDA zone 5), and is suitable for outdoor planters, too, if kept moist but without a saucer.

Last update 15-05-2007; 07-03-2024