The Emerald Lace Japanese Maple.
If you are looking for a fast growing maple with attractive foliage, then Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ is one of the best.
The new foliage emerges lime green with attractive orange to reddish margins in spring. As the season progresses the leaves mature to a rich emerald green before turning brilliant shades of burgundy red in autumn.
With finely dissected foliage and a naturally pendulous habit, this is a Japanese Maple that provides interest throughout the year. It is also regarded as one of the more vigorous growing dissected forms, making it a good choice where a quicker result is desired.
Unlike many weeping Japanese Maples that form a broad flattened canopy, Emerald Lace develops a more upright cascading habit. It can be grown as a spreading specimen or trained into a small standard by staking when young.
Like many Japanese Maples, it makes an excellent feature tree, however it is particularly attractive when allowed to develop its natural cascading habit.
One of the reasons for its popularity is its ability to cope with warmer conditions. It will tolerate more sun than most green dissected Japanese Maples and is less prone to leaf scorch, making it a reliable choice in many Australian gardens.
Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ has also been recognised for its excellent garden performance, receiving the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
Why Choose Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’
There are many dissected Japanese Maples available, however Emerald Lace is valued for its combination of vigorous growth and attractive foliage.
Some of its best features include:
- Fast growth compared to many other dissected cultivars.
- Lime green spring foliage with attractive orange-red leaf margins.
- Rich emerald green summer foliage.
- Brilliant burgundy-red autumn colour.
- A graceful cascading habit with a more upright structure than many weeping forms.
- Excellent heat and sun tolerance.
- Suitable for both garden planting and containers.
- Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
For gardeners looking for a Japanese Maple that establishes quickly and provides year-round interest, Emerald Lace is an excellent choice.
Landscaping Uses
With its graceful habit and finely divided foliage, Emerald Lace makes an excellent specimen tree.
Plant Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ as a feature tree in a lawn area, courtyard garden or mixed border where its shape and foliage can be appreciated throughout the seasons.
The fresh green foliage combines well with Camellias, Hydrangeas, Azaleas and other shade-loving plants. It is also well suited to Japanese-style gardens where its natural form can be highlighted.
Emerald Lace is suitable for growing in containers and can remain in a large pot for many years with appropriate care.
Growing Conditions
Best grown in a humus rich, well drained soil that retains some moisture through the growing season.
Although more tolerant of sun than many Japanese Maples, protection from hot afternoon sun and drying winds will help keep the foliage looking its best through summer.
How to Plant Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’
- Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the container.
- Improve the soil with compost and well aged organic matter.
- Water the plant thoroughly before planting.
- Position the plant at the same depth it was growing in the container.
- Backfill carefully and firm the soil gently.
- Stake if required.
- Water in with a liquid seaweed solution.
- Apply mulch around the plant while keeping it clear of the trunk.
Mulching will help maintain a cool root run and conserve moisture during warmer weather.
How to Grow
Regular watering during dry periods will encourage strong growth and healthy foliage.
As the tree matures it requires little attention apart from seasonal mulching and occasional watering during extended dry weather.
In good conditions Emerald Lace will develop into a broad, graceful specimen with attractive cascading branches.
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly while the tree is establishing.
During hot dry periods, established plants will benefit from supplementary watering. Container-grown specimens will require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.
Fertiliser
Apply a quality slow release fertiliser each spring.
An annual application of compost and organic mulch will also help maintain healthy growth and improve soil structure.
Pruning
A well formed tree will require very little pruning after purchase.
Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches as required. Light formative pruning may occasionally be useful on younger plants due to the vigorous growth rate.
Underplanting Suggestions
Suitable companion plants include:
- Liriope muscari
- Hellebores
- Hostas
- Heucheras
- Camellias
- Hydrangeas
- Azaleas
These plants enjoy similar growing conditions and complement the finely textured foliage.
Common Problems
Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ is generally easy to grow when planted in suitable conditions.
Occasionally problems may include:
- Leaf scorch during periods of extreme heat.
- Browning leaf edges caused by drought stress.
- Reduced vigour in poorly drained soils.
- Premature leaf drop during prolonged dry conditions.
Maintaining even soil moisture and applying mulch annually will help prevent most issues.
Summary (Quick Facts)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ |
| Common Name | Emerald Lace Japanese Maple |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Habit | Cascading, mounded and semi-upright |
| Foliage | Lime green with orange-red margins in spring, emerald green in summer, burgundy-red in autumn |
| Flowers | Insignificant |
| Height | Dependent on graft height and growing conditions |
| Spread | Up to 4 metres |
| Soil | Humus rich, moist and well drained |
| Position | Sun to part shade, protected from hot drying winds |
| Frost Tolerant | Yes |
| Drought Tolerant | No |
| Container Growing | Yes |
| Awards | RHS Award of Garden Merit |
Where to Buy
Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ is available for sale from the following participating suppliers.
In Victoria also Try
WISHING WELL NURSERY – 03 9756 6107
Monbulk – Silvan Rd. Monbulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Emerald Lace grow?
Emerald Lace is regarded as a fast growing dissected Japanese Maple. Growth rates will vary depending on climate and soil conditions, however it generally grows more quickly than many similar cultivars.
Can Emerald Lace be grown in a pot?
Yes. It performs well in large containers provided good drainage and regular watering are maintained.
How large does Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ grow?
Spread can reach around 4 metres under good growing conditions. Height will vary depending on the original graft and growing environment.
Is Emerald Lace suitable for full sun?
Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ more sun than many Japanese Maples, however protection from hot afternoon sun is recommended in warmer regions.
Does Emerald Lace lose its leaves in winter?
Yes. Like all Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ is deciduous and loses its foliage during winter after displaying attractive autumn colour.
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