Choosing the right acer for my front garden

Jess is in the Garden

Hello all,

I've never had an east facing site, but have had acers before (Palmatum and Katsura) in a sheltered, west facing site.

I'd love to fill a gap in my new blank slate of a garden, with another dwarf acer - they are so beautiful, that I can't be without one any more!

Ideally nothing larger than 2-3m in height. Part sun (mornings only). Fairly protected spot, with its back to a fence and wind breaker hedges to one side.

Soil is going to be (after I have worked hard to improve it) well drained, improved London clay.

I love the almost white leaves of Ukigumo, but at 5m height that may be too tall - unless their height can be contained, without damaging them...I have never pruned mine in the past.

Thank you for your thoughts.

treehugger80

you can prune Japanese acers, you just have to be careful doing it and when you do it as they can bleed

Jess is in the Garden

Ah yes, I remember that the season is crucial. I do love their natural form though, so I'd never prune to re-shape, just to reduce potential maximum height.
Thanks Treehugger!

Pete.8

I planted an acer palmatum dissectum about 30 years ago and is now about 3m high and 4m wide
The pale green fern-like leaves are just beginning to unfurl and the tiny red flowers about to open. It's a beautiful tree and the local photo club often appear in autumn when the leaves colour-up as it is stunning - 

Jess is in the Garden

Pete.8 said:

I planted an acer palmatum dissectum about 30 years ago and is now about 3m high and 4m wide
The pale green fern-like leaves are just beginning to unfurl and the tiny red flowers about to open. It's a beautiful tree and the local photo club often appear in autumn when the leaves colour-up as it is stunning - 

I'm not surprised - that is truly stunning!
My favourite acer was my Katsura - the leaves unfurled apricot coloured, changing to green and cream, with a bit of pink. I used to love early Spring and waiting for them to start. Another plant I had to leave behind....sob...

Pete.8

I have a Katsura too, sadly it has verticillum wilt  
It's ok, just not very tree-like though.
Why not get another Katsura?

Jess is in the Garden

Fancied something different! I love the look of the Ukigumo, but not sure if it'll withstand an east facing site.