Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) as outdoor bonsai

Japanese Maples (Acer) bonsai have always been a bonsai classic, a favourite celebrated all over the world.
Maples are beautiful ornamental trees of which there are many species, often renowned for their vibrant leaf colours.
Most are shade tolerant and are distinguished by their leaf arrangement and distinctive fruits sometimes known as “helicopters” or “whirlybirds”. The attributes of the maple family as bonsai trees is endless – beautiful colour, beautiful proportions, hardy bonsai, wonderful leaf shape.

One of the favourites is the Japanese Red Maple (Acer palmatum deshojo). The latin name ‘palmatum‘ comes from the hand/palm shaped leaves, which often have five pointed lobes.
This delightful outdoor bonsai tree exhibits truly beautiful and vibrant spring and autumn foliage which is a vivid red, fading to pinky/green in the summer months. The bark is often red when young turning a lovely silvery colour as the trunk matures.

Another fabulous variety is Acer palmatum katsura which displays vibrant orange leaves during the spring, turning greener during the summer and followed by a distinctive flame yellow in the autumn.

When considering the attributes of maple bonsai it is important not to overlook the English Maple (Acer campestre). This native bonsai will not disappoint. It has a beautiful leaf shape and incredible yellow/orange/red autumn leaf colour.
The most hardy of all the maple family so a great choice.