Acer palmatum 'Aconitifolium'
Also known as: Fernleaf Full Moon Maple
Overview
The Acer palmatum 'Aconitifolium' is a truly stunning ornamental tree, prized for its finely dissected, fern-like foliage and exceptional autumn colour. A graceful addition to any garden, this Japanese maple offers year-round interest with its elegant shape, delicate spring leaves, and brilliant seasonal transformations.
Key Features
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Foliage: Deeply lobed, lace-like leaves resembling those of a monkshood (Aconitum), hence its name.
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Autumn Colour: Spectacular shades of crimson, scarlet, and orange.
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Size at Maturity: Typically grows to 2.5–4 metres tall and wide, forming a rounded, bushy shape.
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Growth Rate: Slow-growing – ideal for small gardens, patios, or container planting.
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Flowering: Tiny red-purple spring flowers followed by winged seeds (samaras).
Seasonal Interest
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Spring: Leaves emerge with a soft green hue, occasionally tinged with pink.
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Summer: Bright green foliage provides a lush backdrop in any shady spot.
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Autumn: A dazzling display of fiery colours, making it the star of the garden.
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Winter: An attractive branch structure adds elegance even when bare.
Ideal Growing Conditions
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Position: Prefers partial shade, especially in hotter areas, though it tolerates full sun with adequate moisture.
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Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions.
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Shelter: Protect from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy in most of the UK (H5 - down to -15°C to -10°C).
Care Tips
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Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first few years and during dry spells.
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Mulching: Apply mulch in spring to retain moisture and protect roots.
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Pruning: Minimal pruning required – lightly shape in late autumn or winter if needed.
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Feeding: Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring.
Perfect For
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Small gardens and courtyards
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Shady borders and woodland-style gardens
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Japanese or Zen-themed landscapes
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Large containers on patios or terraces
Did You Know?
‘Aconitifolium’ has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit – a sign of its outstanding qualities and performance in UK gardens.
Final Thoughts
The Acer palmatum 'Aconitifolium' is more than just a tree – it's a living sculpture that brings elegance and seasonal drama to any garden. Low-maintenance and full of charm, it’s a perfect choice for gardeners of all levels who want to enjoy the timeless beauty of a Japanese maple.
Buying Japanese Acers from Jacksons Nurseries
Unlike many garden centres, supermarkets and some nurseries here at Jacksons Nurseries we sell the majority of our stock all year round. Our stock is for the most part grown outdoors making it far hardier than those grown under glass and/or only sold ‘In Season’.
Here at Jacksons Nurseries we would favour a hardy outdoor grown plant every time. They are far less likely to suffer from the shock of being planted in colder conditions and they will begin to establish more rapidly the following spring. This can mean that they don’t look like a ‘picture perfect’ plant when purchased out of season but with the correct care and a little time you’ll have a wonderful plant to enjoy for many years to come.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
Grafting & Leaf Reversion
The main purpose of grafting ornamental plants and trees is to combine features of one variety with the more vigorous or resilient root stock of another. Grafting of Japanese Acers also has the added benefit of controlling the height of the tree depending on where the graft has been made.
When a Japanese Acer has been grafted some leaf reversion may take place or incorrect growth from the grafted base. If this occurs, pinch or prune out the incorrect stems once the leaves have fully unfurled.
Cultivation & Pruning
The perfect conditions for growing Japanese Acer would be well drained loam, slightly acidic and sandy with a good amount of organic matter but they will grow in most soil types. Avoid overly wet, dry or alkaline conditions.
Positioning your Japanese Acer will depend on the variety but most will grow best in a sheltered position. Green-leaved trees will tolerate full sun but some shade in the brightest of conditions will help prevent scorch. Red/Purple leaved trees will need some sun to help their develop their rich colours while variegated leaved trees are more suited to partial shade as they are more susceptible to scorch from the afternoon sun.
Mulch your Japanese Acer every other year with well-rotted garden compost or manure. During early establishment ensure that mulch does not come into contact with the collar.
Japanese Acer have shallow fibrous roots and are ideal plants for growing in containers. Ensure good drainage and do not over water. Feed in spring and early summer with a slow release fertiliser or a liquid feed. Try to avoid potting your Acers in overly large pots, start out with a pot approximately 5-8cm/2-3in larger than the pot it was in when purchased and re-pot by the same increase every couple of years, ideally in April or September.
Pot grown Acers are particularly vulnerable to winter frosts. Wrap your containers with fleece or bubble wrap.
Japanese Acers require very little pruning, allowing your tree to grow naturally will be the best way to produce a graceful shaped specimen. You may however wish to prune badly positioned or crossing shoots to encourage a better form, in this case pruning is best done when the tree is fully dormant usually from November to February, pruning outside of this window may result in a weakened tree.
Potential Problems
Japanese Acer are very prone to leaf scorch in both windy or excessively sunny positions. Red/Purple leaved varieties with green leaves or poor autumn colour may indicate insufficient light levels.
Horse chestnut scale and other scale insect damage can be a problem as can verticillium wilt. Pot grown trees can also be a target for vine weevils.
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In stock
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£39.99 |