Acer Palmatum Livy Japanese Maple Livy

Acer Palmatum Livy is a dwarf red foliaged deciduous Japanese Maple tree that only grows to 1.5 metres in height. It’s an excellent choice for growing in plant containers and sheltered borders in compact gardens.

Acer Palmatum (commonly known as Japanese Maple) are native to Japan and were named in the 18^th century by botanist Dr Thunberg who admired their palm-like foliage. There are thousands of acer cultivars available today but Acer Palmatum Livy was bred in Canada for its dwarf height and deeply lobed red foliage. It’s a stunning small acer tree that packs a punch well above its weight.

In spring wide-fingered foliage emerges on erect reddish-brown stems unfurling slowly and maturing to burgundy-purple over summer. Small flowers blossom in spring and mature into winged seeds pods that fall with its spectacularly fiery leaves in autumn. This is one of the few dwarf acers that remain red-toned from spring to autumn. If you love the look of Acer Palmatum Bloodgood but it’s too big for your space, this is a more compact choice that’s just as bright.

Height And Spread of Acer Palmatum Livy
One of the smallest of the dwarf Japanese Maple trees, Livy reaches a maximum height of 1.5 metres. It’s tree-like in form but shrub-sized and erect so it easily fits into compact gardens.

How Hardy Is Acer Palmatum Livy
If its roots are well-drained and it’s grown in a sheltered spot with some shade Japanese Maple Livy is hardy and withstands freezing British winters.

How To Use Acer Palmatum Livy
Small acers produce a theatrical patio or balcony show and Livy’s red shades are particularly dramatic from spring right through to late autumn. If you’ve little space but want a small specimen tree to brighten your garden it’s a natural choice.
Japanese Maple Livy also suits a leafy low maintenance border, a gravel garden, a Japanese garden, or sheltered spots in partial shade. Pairing it up with other acers creates quite a display. Acer Palmatum Little Red or Acer Dissectum Garnet Feathered are dramatic partners and when they’re planted together they don’t take up too much space.

How To Care for Acer Palmatum Livy
Japanese Maple Livy is low maintenance and easy to grow in the majority of well-drained spots but it tends to prefer neutral to acidic soil. Apply a thick layer of mulch in spring and again in winter to protect its roots.
Plenty of shelter in a partially sunny position suits Livy best because too much direct sun scorches its leaves - the best foliage colour emerges in part shade.
Regular pruning isn’t needed and may ruin its shape, but you can cut away crossed or damaged branches in the dormant season.
Water well until established in a border and ensure container-grown acers are watered and fed throughout the hot or dry months. Prop your pot-grown acers up on feet in winter to create good drainage and protect the roots from frost.