Lace leaf, weeping or red dragon maples (acer palmatum dissectum) are native to Korea, China, Japan, Mongolia and southeast Russia; however, they are now grown all over the world and prized for their lovely shape, delicate lacy or feathery leaves and beautiful colours.

They only grow to about 2-3 metres (6-9 ft) or less (the ones pictured are only about half that height), so they really are more shrub-like than tree-like. They take on a dome shape when they reach full maturity which makes them appear to be “weeping.”

In autumn they turn the most glorious crimson red which will gradually fade into pink or rusty red before they drop their leaves in December.

The colour is so intense that they almost seem to glow, especially when the sun shines on them.

Red is my favourite colour, so I find myself particularly drawn to them.

After their dormant winter period, they re-emerge in late March or April with brownish-red leaves that eventually turn quite red before morphing into green for summer.

Lace leaf maples are not only beautiful, they are also quite compact and will work well in small gardens. They’re winter tolerant to zones 5a and 5b.

For most of the year they add so much visual interest and stunning colour to a garden. Isn’t nature grand?

Happy Thursday.