Acer Palmatum Shirazz

 

Acer Palmatum Shirazz is quite a new variety of variegated Acer which was developed in New Zealand. Sometimes referred to as Gwen’s Rose Delight, no doubt due to the coral pink hue of the leaves, Acer Palmatum Shirazz is a most unusual and very attractive addition to the Japanese Maple family. 

 

The variegated foliage is a combination of creamy pink, maroon and green which changes colour throughout the growing season. In spring, the new foliage is a deepish pink with a light pink variegation. Then as the summer advances, the deepish pink changes to a light purple and the variegation turns to cream but tends to retain its pink tips and margins with added streaks of green. In autumn, the foliage turns a vibrant reddish purple.

 

The smallish attractive leaves are long, slender and deeply divided, generally having five lobes pointed at the tips. 

 

Acer Palmatum Shirazz when young is a vigorous grower and therefore will establish itself relatively quickly. It tends to have an upright growth habit with a spreading crown, not unusual in acers. 

 

This is an ideal and quite rare acer to use as a specimen tree. Grown as an elegant half standard shape, expect it to reach a maximum height of 4 metres. 

 

Plant in a partially shaded position with well drained and ideally, slightly acidic soil.