Introduction To Growing Japanese Maples
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Growing Japanese Maples for Pleasure"
from http://japanese-maple.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Part 1.
===============================
Hello,
In this first part we'll cover the classification and Naming of Japanese Maples
Taxonomy and Nomenclature:
==========================
A.K.A. Classification and Naming of Japanese maples
At first the latin names used in horticulture can seem to be a bit off putting and hard to remember. Don't worry! After a bit of practice the names will come more easily to you! Honestly!
'Acer' is the Genus of plants known commonly as maples. Of all the maple species, the Japanese maple (known by its botanical name as Acer palmatum)is the most variable. It is this variability that we enjoy so much in these much admired trees.
There are three basic sub-species of Acer palmatum, these are: amoenum, matsumurae and palmatum. The word 'palmatum' comes from PALMATE or palm-like, meaning the leaf looks like the palm of your hand with fingers. Unnamed red leaved
maples sometimes have the generic name Acer palmatum atropurpureum. And some 'cut leaf' Japanese maples are referred to as: Acer palmatum dissectum or Acer palmatum dissectum atropurpureum for the red form. Dissectum simply describes the leaves are dissected or spit (cut) into a fine filigree form.
Identification is made based on how the leaves look. Acer palmatum subsp. palmatum is small leaved (1.0" - 2.5" typically), with 5-7 lobes on the leaf and coarsely toothed leaf edges or margins.
Acer palmatum subsp. amoenum and Acer palmatum subsp. Matsumurae both have larger leaves (2.75" - 4.0" typically). Amoenum leaves are usually 7 lobed and divided to a medium degree. Matsumurae leaves have 7 to 9 lobes and are very deeply divided.
Naming of particular cultivars (a distinctive plant maintained by cultivation) follows the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. Cultivar names should always be written in roman type with single 'quote' marks after the species name. For example: Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'.
In Part 2. we'll cover:
* Planting in the Landscape
- Ground Preparation
- Position: Sun & Shade Requirements
- Soil Type
- Watering & Mulching
- When you get your tree home
Happy gardening online and in dirt!
Ken Alston
Commonwealth Plants, LLC
=========================
Ken Alston is a green thumbed British gardener, plant-aholic and nurseryman who provides gardeners and fellow plant-aholics with professional growing tips, techniques, rare plants and seeds.
http://japanese-maple.com
=========================
(c) 2003, 2004 All Rights Reserved, Commonwealth Plants, LLC.
