Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'Japanese maple
One of the classic purple-leaved forms of the Japanese maple, it stands out for its broad, densely coloured crown, which moves from the bronze-red of spring to wine tones and, finally, intense red in autumn. Unlike the Dissectum types, it keeps broad, palmate leaves, giving the crown greater visual presence.
- Wine-red foliage that creates a continuous mass of colour throughout the growing season
- Broad leaves with five to seven lobes, distinct from the finely cut forms
- Progressively arching branches that give movement to the mature crown
About this cultivar
Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ grows as a large shrub or small tree, often with several stems. The crown develops from an ovoid shape into a broad, dense structure, slightly open like a fan, and can reach approximately 6 to 8 metres in height and spread, occasionally more.Read moreShow less
Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ grows as a large shrub or small tree, often with several stems. The crown develops from an ovoid shape into a broad, dense structure, slightly open like a fan, and can reach approximately 6 to 8 metres in height and spread, occasionally more.
The leaves have five to seven pointed lobes, joined over a considerable part of the blade and edged with finely serrated margins. Spring growth shows bronze-red tones, turning wine-red or purple during the summer. In autumn, the foliage intensifies and takes on a bright red to crimson.
The small reddish flowers appear in spring and may be followed by pinkish samaras. On older specimens, the outer branches become progressively arching, creating a more fluid silhouette and revealing different planes of foliage.
The name ‘Atropurpureum’ has historically been applied to different propagation lines, so there may be variations in the intensity and persistence of the colour. Viewing the mature specimen makes it possible to assess the foliage colour, the density of the crown and the quality of the branching directly before selection.
It prefers partial shade or gentle sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soil. In Portugal it should be protected from dry wind and the most intense afternoon sun, with regular moisture maintained in the root zone during establishment.
It is suited to entrances, courtyards, Japanese gardens and compositions that call for a purple mass of strong contrast. A mature specimen from Diaplant makes it possible to select the colour expression in advance and immediately adds a broad crown, several well-defined stems and the arching branching characteristic of maturity.
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