Acer palmatum Metamorphosa Arjos1 cov - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum Metamorphosa 'Arjos1' truly lives up to its name, as this Japanese maple does indeed undergo a metamorphosis throughout the seasons. Its slender foliage is characteristic of Japanese maples. Its uniqueness lies in the succession of colours that the variegated leaves go through, blending from yellow in spring to purple in autumn, creating a constant spectacle in the garden. Very hardy, this ornamental bush thrives in partial shade or even under the shade of trees, in moist but well-drained non-calcareous soil.

Japanese maples used to belong to the Aceraceae family, but they have been classified under the much larger Sapindaceae family for about ten years now - in which one can find various trees, such as goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) or even lychee (Litchi chinensis). There are many horticultural varieties of Acer palmatum, which have been developed by Japanese horticulturists for a long time, but Europeans have also made their contributions.

Acer palmatum Metamorphosa 'Arjos1' is a Dutch creation by Mr. Jos van Meuwen and Mr. Arjan Keijzer in 2010. This recent cultivar was a finalist in the 2018 Plant of the Year competition organised by the RHS. This medium-sized bush forms a 3m (10ft) tall and 1.5m (5ft) wide clump in 10 years, with a relatively upright and bushy habit. It is perfect for smaller gardens. Its overall shape is more or less spreading, but quite compact, with flexible and mobile branches.

It has beautiful deeply incised leaves with 5 to 7 irregularly toothed lobes, some of which may slightly curl. Highly decorative with its intricate pattern, this foliage is incredibly colourful, evolving throughout the entire growing season. When the leaves first emerge, they are yellow-green, then they take on a dominant yellow colour, edged with pink. In summer, the foliage turns bright green, edged with white. In autumn, it reaches its climax in shades of orange, crimson, or even purple.

Contrary to popular belief, Acer palmatum does not particularly require ericaceous soil. It does need deep, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soil that remains moist and perfectly drained.

Acer palmatum Metamorphosa 'Arjos1' will bring a touch of Japan to your garden. Pair it with equally evocative plants such as Camellias, whose beautiful shiny dark green foliage will enhance the colourful whims of this maple, while their exquisite flowers will delight the eye. By playing with different varieties, it is indeed possible to enjoy their sumptuous blooming for a good part of the year. The various species of Sarcococca will fit into the same spirit, combining the elegance of their fine evergreen foliage with the advantage of their delicately scented winter flowering. Stachyurus praecox, unjustly overlooked, displays one of the most visually appealing blooms at the very beginning of spring, consisting of hundreds of pale-yellow bells arranged in long pendulous clusters. And to cover the foreground of your shaded flower bed, consider Heucheras, whose multiple colours will complement those of your Japanese maple.