Acer Palmatum Hikasa Yama Japanese Acer

Acer Palmatum Hikasa Yama is an unusual deciduous tree noted for its dramatic variegated foliage colour. It belongs to the palmatum group of Japanese Acers.

Acer Palmatum is a Japanese maple cultivar with origins in Japan, China and Korea. Acers were introduced to the UK in 1820 and became popular for their hardy nature and brightly coloured foliage that follows the seasons. Japanese Acer Hikasa Yama, sometimes incorrectly referred to as Higasa Yama, means ‘umbrella mountain’ due to its small-sized crinkly foliage that drapes downwards. It’s a unique variety of Japanese acer that stands out in a swathe or as a simple specimen tree in the landscape. 

In spring bright crimson buds resembling popcorn unfurl before maturing into creamy seven lobed leaves. The centres turn light green in late spring with variegated pink margins. These margins shift colour through the growing year, turning orange, dark yellow and red as autumn approaches.

Introduced in the 1800s this is a chameleon acer that’s stood the test of time. As the buds open and the leaves unfurl, Hikasa yama is a sensational display of reds, pinks, yellows and cream.

Height and Spread of Acer Palmatum Hikasa Yama
Japanese Acer Hikasa Yama is a tall upright acer that can reach a height of 8 metres though it will take 20 years to do so. 

How Hardy Is Acer Palmatum Hikasa Yama
This is a hardy acer with its origins in the cold Far East so it can withstand sub-zero temperatures in the UK. Be sure to keep its roots well-drained and ensure there is shelter from harsh drying winds. 

How To Use Acer Palmatum Hikasa Yama
This tall Japanese acer is good for landscaping being hardy and having a show-stopping display of foliage colour. Its variegated foliage is highly unusual and brings a dramatic element of colour to any landscape vista. 

How To Care For Acer Palmatum Hikasa Yama
This is an easy acer to grow in a sheltered, partially shady spot. Generally, it will grow in any aspect from full sun to partial shade. 
Acers will grow in the majority of well-drained fertile soils but they prefer neutral to acid soil. If yours is very alkaline fill a planting hole with organic matter or compost and mulch every year in spring. 
There is no need to prune acer Palmatum Hikasa Yama as it naturally grows in a well-structured shape, but you can cut back damaged branches in winter if necessary.