5 Favorite Japanese Maples for Fall
Fall is finally here! While it has technically been “fall” for a month now, we are just now seeing commiserate temperatures and with it fall colors! Even still, the Japanese Maples at our nursery are mostly still in the beginning stages of displaying their fall colors, but we wanted to give you all a preview of some of our most stunning trees this time of year. Japanese Maples are known for their amazing fall color making the number of amazing trees for fall seemingly countless. However, here are a handful of varieties that we believe are some of the very best for this time of year.
Emmett’s Pumpkin
Acer japonicum ‘Emmett’s Pumpkin’ is one of the most unique maples you are ever going to see. With some of the largest leaves of any Japanese Maple, ‘Emmett’s Pumpkin’ is a must have for any collector. The oranges and reds that this tree displays in the fall are truly stunning and make the huge rounded off leaves look like the pumpkins that the name describes. This is an awesome medium sized, upright growing tree that grows well in partial sun.
Autumn Fire
The name really says it all for this cultivar. Acer palmatum ‘Autumn Fire’ is a beautiful, weeping variety that can handle full sun even in hotter climates. As the temperatures begin to cool, the green foliage turns orange before the real show begins. The tree then lights up and seemingly catches fire across the foliage with shades of red and orange. These fiery leaves then darken to a deep red before burning out for winter.
Bonfire
Acer palmatum ‘Bonfire’ is more known for its corral spring color, but the fall color of this small tree should not be overlooked. ‘Bonfire’ emerges in spring with bright red leaves before quickly turning green. These green leaves remain for the majority of the year until fall arrives. The leaves on ‘Bonfire’ first turn a light orange before darkening to a blood-orange or almost bright red color. Every year this is one of the more stunning, jaw dropping trees at the nursery.
Chantilly Lace
Acer palmatum ‘Chantilly Lace’ is another tree not typically thought of for its fall color. The peachy spring color, delicate appearance, and rock and roll name are what make this tree famous. However, fall is when Acer palmatum ‘Chantilly Lace’ really shows out. This tree goes from a graceful green in the summer to fire engine red in the fall. It is truly one of the most outstanding red colors you will ever see on a Japanese Maple.
Elegans
Last but certainly not least, Acer palmatum ‘Elegans’ brightens up the entire yard! This tree starts off bright yellow before adding splashes of orange to the foliage toward the end of fall. This small tree is a stunner that contrasts well with all of the bright red and orange of other Japanese Maples this time of year. The size of ‘Elegans’ also allows it to be a versatile tree in the landscape fitting in most locations.
Interested in adding some color to your yard? We have all of these trees in stock in starter or 3-gallon sizes. Check out our availability of these magnificent varieties as well as hundreds more! Click Here