Japanese maple

This stunning Japanese maple is well-loved for its filgree leaves which are as fine as lace. Green in summer, these turn rich shades of yellow in autumn. The tree typically forms a sweeping, mushroom-shape and looks particularly beautiful at the edge of a pond. All these qualities have led the Royal Horticultural Society to give it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM) which is for plants of outstanding excellence. Like other Japanese maples, it needs a partially shaded spot which is protected from cold winds. The soil should be moist but well-drained. It is suitable for growing in a large container, using John Innes No 3 compost, but must be kept well watered.