Tamukeyama Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is stunning and distinguished by its vivid red leaf and finely divided, lace-like leaves. It is a well-liked option for gardens and landscaping because of its gorgeous beauty and tiny size, which fits nicely with smaller areas.
A graceful, mounding, miniature tree with waxy, crimson bark and beautiful cascading branches. Its richly divided foliage changes to a vivid scarlet in the fall after remaining a stunning purple-red color all summer. It is ideal as an accent in gardens with an Asian theme and appropriate for use as a specimen container.
A beautiful specimen that grows in a range of soil types and may be placed in full sun or partial shade. Expanding more widely than it is tall, the branches bend downward to create a dome covered in vibrant foliage visible during all four seasons.
This cultivar is stunning, with its weeping shape, cascading branches, and delicate, tiny leaves. The leaves appear in a deep purple-red in the springtime, becoming red as spring gives way to summer and finally change color to a vivid, striking scarlet red when the weather cools.
This compact Maple tree can withstand full sun in cooler climates, but in southern areas, make sure your tree has afternoon shade to prevent sunburn.
Growth Habit:
Tamukeyama usually develops in mounds, reaching a height of roughly 6 to 8 feet and spreading similarly over several years.
The foliage emerges in spring with a deep red color, which often persists through the summer before turning crimson in fall.
Cultural Requirements of Tamukeyama Japanese maples:
Sunlight: Prefers some shade over direct sunlight. It is helpful to have some protection from the intense afternoon sun, particularly in warmer climates.
Soil:
Acidic, well-drained soil is best. Organic matter additions can enhance the fertility and structure of the soil.
Watering:
Frequent watering, particularly during dry spells, is crucial for newly planted trees. They are moderately drought-tolerant but once established can still benefit from consistent moisture.
Pruning:
Pruning is best undertaken in late wintertime to early springtime before new growth emerges. Trim dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy shape.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize in early springtime with a balanced fertilizer, adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Landscape Use:
Tamukeyama is frequently utilized as a garden focal point, as a specimen tree, or in mixed borders.
Its stunning leaves bring fantastic contrast with green-leafed plants, allowing for color addition and complexity to the scenery.
Winter Care:
In colder climates, protect the tree from harsh winter winds and frost heaving (soil freezing and thawing) by applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree.
Pests and Diseases of Tamukeyama Japanese maple trees:
Japanese maples can be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and appropriate treatment can help manage these issues.
In zones 9 and above, it may struggle with the heat and require extra care, such as providing afternoon shade and regular watering to thrive.
Hardiness zones:
The Tamukeyama Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) grows well in zones 5 through 8 and might need shelter against chilly wintertime breezes and frost heave in zone 5.
Planting and caring for the tamukeyama Japanese marble tree:
Planting and caring for a Tamukeyama Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) involve several steps to ensure its health and vitality:
Planting:
Location:
Choose a site with well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. Protection from hot afternoon sun is beneficial, especially in warmer climates.
Soil Preparation for Tamukeyama Japanese maples:
Create a hole twice as wide as the root system and just as deep. Treat the soil with organic matter like compost if needed.
Planting:
Ensure that the top of the root ball of the tree is level with the surrounding soil by placing it in the hole. Fill in the hole with dirt and pat the ground around the tree firmly.
Watering: Water properly after planting and frequently during the first growing season to help establish the tree. Water your tree in the early morning or late at night during the sweltering summer months.
Caring for the Tamukeyama Japanese maple tree:
Watering:
Tamukeyama Japanese maples prefer consistently moist soil, especially during hot, dry periods. Mulching can help retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing:
Early spring is the best time to fertilize. Use a balanced fertilizer made for plants that prefer acid. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Pruning:
Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches by pruning from late winter to early spring to preserve the tree’s health and form.
Mulching:
Mulch the area surrounding the base of the tree to assist in maintaining soil moisture and controlling soil temperature.
Winter Care:
In colder climates, protect the tree from harsh winter winds and frost heaving by mulching around the base and wrapping the tree in burlap if necessary.
Pests and Diseases:
Tamukeyama Japanese maples can be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and appropriate treatment can help manage these issues.
Uses of tamukeyama Japanese maple tree:
The Tamukeyama Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) has several uses in landscaping and gardening:
Ornamental Tree:
The Tamukeyama Japanese maple is primarily grown for its stunning foliage, which emerges red in spring, matures to a deep red-purple in summer, and turns crimson in fall. Its elegant, cascading form makes it a striking focal point in any garden or landscape.
Shade Tree:
While not as large as other maple varieties, the Tamukeyama Japanese maple can provide dappled shade in small garden areas or when planted near patios or seating areas.
Container Plant:
The Tamukeyama Japanese maple grows slowly and compactly, making it ideal for container gardening and can be placed on patios, balconies, or other small spaces to add color and interest.
Accent Plant:
The Tamukeyama Japanese maple is an excellent option for mixing borders or rock gardens because of its vivid foliage, as plants with strikingly different foliage colors or textures go nicely with it.
Bonsai:
Japanese maples, including the Tamukeyama variety, are ideal for bonsai enthusiasts due to their small leaves and attractive growth habits. The Tamukeyama Japanese maple can be trained into a beautiful bonsai specimen with the proper care and techniques.
Erosion Control: The dense, low-growing canopy of the Tamukeyama Japanese maple can help control erosion on slopes or hillsides when planted in mass or used as an understory tree.
Can you propagate tamukeyama Japanese maple tree seed?
Yes, you can propagate Tamukeyama Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) from seed, but there are a few critical considerations to keep in mind:
Variability:
Japanese maple seeds, including those of Tamukeyama, can produce offspring with variable characteristics. This means that the seedlings may not necessarily resemble the parent tree in terms of leaf shape, color, or growth habit.
Germination:
The hard outer coat of Japanese maple seeds, needs to be softened before germination through stratification, which involves storing the seeds in a wet, cold environment for several weeks before planting.
Timing:
Traditionally, seeds are gathered in the fall and planted in the spring in a potting mix that drains properly and maintains damp but not soggy.
Patience:
Japanese maple trees grown from seed can take several years to reach a size where their characteristics are apparent. It may take even longer for them to develop the mature characteristics of the Tamukeyama cultivar.
How do you propagate tamukeyama Japanese maple tree seed?
Propagating Tamukeyama Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) from seed can be a rewarding but somewhat challenging. Here’s a general outline of how to do it:
- Seed Collection:Harvest seeds from mature Tamukeyama Japanese maple trees in the fall when they are ripe. Seeds are typically found in samaras, which are the winged seed pods characteristic of maples.
- Seed Preparation:Japanese maple seeds have a hard outer shell that needs to be softened before planting to improve germination through stratification, which involves storing the seeds in a moist, cold environment for several weeks. You can stratify the seeds by placing them in a plastic bag with damp peat moss or vermiculite and storing them in the refrigerator for 60-90 days.
- Planting:After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix in spring. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch, deep and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination:Germination can take several weeks to several months. Keep the seeds in a warm, bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Transplant into individual pots o nce the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves.
- Care:Provide proper care for the seedlings, including regular watering, fertilizing, and protection from pests and diseases. As the seedlings grow, they can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting them in their permanent location.
Is tamukeyama perfect for containers?
Indeed, growing Tamukeyama Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) in a container is a terrific idea. Its slow growth rate and tiny size make it ideal for container gardening for you to appreciate its beauty on balconies, patios, and other small areas.
How to grow Tamukeyama Japanese maple in containers:
Container Size:
Pick a sizable container with sufficient holes for drainage. A container at least 2 feet deep and wide, providing enough room for the roots to grow, is preferable.
Soil type to grow Tamukeyama Japanese maple:
Use a well-draining, acidic potting mix. You can add organic matter like compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
Light:
Place the container where it will receive partial shade to full sun. Some protection from the hot afternoon sun may be beneficial in hot climates.
Watering:
Check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing: Fertilize the tree in spring with a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
Pruning of Tamukeyama Japanese maple:
Prune the tree as needed to maintain its shape and size by removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
Winter Protection:
In colder climates, protect the container from freezing temperatures by wrapping it with insulation or moving it to a sheltered location.
Will the tamukeyama Japanese maple tree grow from cutting?
Yes, the Tamukeyama Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) can be propagated from cuttings, although it can be more challenging compared to other propagation methods like grafting or seed propagation.
Here’s a general outline of how to propagate Tamukeyama Japanese maple from cuttings:
Selecting Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings that have started to mature but are not yet woody in late summer to early autumn from the current season’s growth and select healthy branches free from diseases and pests.
Planting Cuttings: Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix or propagation medium. You can plant several cuttings in the same container, spacing them out allowing for root development. Water the cuttings thoroughly after planting.
Prepare the cuttings by cutting a 4- to 6-inch (10–15 cm) piece from a healthy branch right below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
Rooting: Place the container in a warm, bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It can take several weeks to several months for the cuttings to root. You can gently tug on the cuttings to check for resistance, which indicates that roots are forming.
Transplanting: Transplant the cuttings into individual pots once they develope a robust root system. Continue to care for the young plants by providing regular watering, fertilizing, and protection from pests and diseases.
Pros and cons of tamukeyama Japanese maple tree
The Tamukeyama Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) is a beautiful and popular cultivar known for its stunning red foliage and gracefull weeping habit. Like any plant, it has its own set of pros and cons:
Pros:
- Attractive Foliage: The deep red foliage of the Tamukeyama Japanese maple adds color and interest to any garden or landscape.
- Compact Size: This cultivar typically grows to a manageable size, making it suitable for small gardens or container planting.
- Fall Color: In addition to its vibrant spring and summer foliage, the Tamukeyama Japanese maple often displays brilliant crimson colors in the fall.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, this tree is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning and regular watering.
- Versatile: The striking appearance of the Tamukeyama Japanese maple makes it a versatile plant as a focal point, in a mixed border, or as a container plant.
Cons:
- Sun Sensitivity: While the Tamukeyama Japanese maple prefers partial shade, it can be sensitive to intense sunlight, especially in hot climates. Some protection from the sun may be necessary.
- Soil Requirements: Japanese maples, including Tamukeyama, prefer well-draining, acidic soil. Soil that is too wet or too alkaline can lead to problems.
- Disease Susceptibility: Japanese maples can be susceptible to certain diseases, such as powdery mildew if not properly cared for.
- Root System: Like many maples, the roots of the Tamukeyama Japanese maple can be invasive if not properly managed. Planting it in a suitable location and providing adequate space can help prevent issues.
What is the price of the tamukeyama Japanese maple tree?
The price of a Tamukeyama Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) depends on several factors, including the size of the tree, its age, and where you purchase it from. Generally, small, younger trees will be less expensive than larger, more mature trees.
In the United States, you can expect to pay between $20 and $200 or more for a Tamukeyama Japanese maple tree, depending on the size and source. Online retailers, local nurseries, and garden centers may all have different pricing, so it’s a good idea to shop around to find the best deal.
Where do you purchase tamukeyama Japanese maple trees?
You can purchase Tamukeyama Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’) from a variety of sources, including:
Specialty Plant Sales: Some botanical gardens, arboretums, and plant societies hold plant sales where you can find rare and unique cultivars, including Tamukeyama Japanese maple.
Garden Shows and Expos: Attend gardening events in your area, such as garden shows and expos, where vendors often sell a variety of plants, including Japanese maples.
Local Garden Centers: Check with local garden centers, home improvement stores, landscaping companies, and nurseries as they may carry Tamukeyama Japanese maple trees, especially during the spring and fall planting seasons.
Online Retailers: Many nurseries and garden stores sell different Japanese maple trees online. Read reviews and look up the retailer’s reputation before making a purchase.
Summary
It is among the best red varieties for retaining its color even in the heat. The tree leaves out later than other Japanese Maple species, thereby avoiding the late winters of some regions.
Take a chance to draw attention and create an impression with a Tamukeyama Japanese Maple and add a polished look to any landscape with its excellent shade, size, and texture.
Remember that a Japanese Garden without an Acer Palmatum Dissectum is never complete.
Read more about other maples here