Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple

The Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Atrolineare’) is a small, slow-growing deciduous tree with distinctively narrow, strap-like leaves that give the plant its common name. The finger-like foliage emerges a rich red in spring, deepens to a dark burgundy-green through summer, and puts on a lively display of bright red and orange in fall. This compact tree reaches a mature height of 10 to 12 feet tall and equally wide, a perfect size for smaller landscapes. Its graceful, upright branching habit makes it an excellent specimen tree, container planting, or bonsai subject.rThe fine-textured foliage provides dramatic visual interest throughout the growing season. It pairs beautifully with shade-loving companions such as hostas, azaleas, rhododendrons, astilbes, and Japanese forest grass. Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple is deer and rabbit resistant and adds a sophisticated focal point to any garden style. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8 and grows well throughout much of the United States.rRibbonleaf Japanese Maple CarerPlant Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple in slightly acidic, well-drained soil and shelter it from strong, drying winds. In hot summer climates, avoid locations with harsh afternoon sun, as this can scorch the delicate foliage. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to keep the root zone cool and retain moisture. rWater this Japanese maple deeply and regularly during the first two to three growing seasons to help it establish a strong root system. Once established, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings while keeping it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.rPruning needs are minimal; remove any damaged or crossing branches as needed. If shaping is necessary, prune during the dormant season in late fall or winter to avoid excessive sap loss.rRibbonleaf Japanese Maple SpacingrPlant Ribbonleaf Japanese Maples at least 10 to 12 feet apart to allow each tree adequate room to reach its full spread at maturity. Keep it away from overhead utility lines and large structures that could interfere with its natural form. When planting companion plants nearby, allow at least 3 to 4 feet of clearance around the base to avoid crowding the roots. For container growing, use a pot at least 14 inches wide and size up every 1-2 years as needed to support healthy root development.rrRibbonleaf Japanese Maple InformationrrrrUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 – 8rrrPlant Type: TreesrrrLight Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 4 Hours of Direct Sunlight)rrrMature Height: 10 – 12 FeetrrrMature Spread: 10 – 12 FeetrrrSpacing: 10 – 12 FeetrrrHabit: UprightrrrFlower Color(s): RedrrrFlower Description: Inconspicuous; prized for foliagerrrBloom Period: SpringrrrFoliage Type: DeciduousrrrFoliage Color(s): Burgundy, GreenrrrFoliage Description: Red in spring, darkening to burgundy-green in summerrrrSeasonal Interest: Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall InterestrrrWatering: AveragerrrResists: Deer, RabbitsrrrTolerates: N/ArrrAttracts: Birds, ButterfliesrrrContainer Role: ThrillerrrrUses: Containers, Specimen or Focal Point, BonsairrrFeatures: Attractive Bark, Dramatic Foliage Color, Fall Color, Compact Form, Low MaintenancerrrBrand: MonroviarrrCommon Name: Ribbonleaf Japanese MaplerrrOther Name(s): Ribbon Leaf Japanese MaplerrrScientific Name: Acer palmatum ‘Atrolineare’