Dissected Japanese maple trees

Japanese Maples are distinctive, slow-growing, deciduous trees with wonderful pointed leaf shapes and a graceful, dome-shaped growth habit. In this section, we've picked out the best dissected Japanese maples (Acer palmatum dissectum varieties) which have deeply-cut, light, almost feathery, filigree-like foliage, bringing spectacular colours and wonderful, intricate leaf shapes. Synonymous with oriental gardens, dissected Japanese maples make an effective stand-alone focal point or accent but can also be used in groups to provide a dramatic backdrop.

They prefer a spot that's sheltered from strong winds with a free-draining soil and plenty of space where they will not have to complete with other plants around them. Dissected varieties tend to be smaller growing Japanese maples, generally reaching an eventual height 3 metres or less, making them suitable for smaller gardens and containers using a John Innes No. 2 potting compost mixed with 25% sharp sand or grit to improve drainage.