| If you are looking to add some long term color to | | | | to being trained and the colorful bark makes it an |
| your garden or terrace then you would do well to | | | | attractive plant. |
| look at a Japanese maple tree. With the many | | | | The willow is so called because of its resemblance |
| different varieties you are sure to find something | | | | to the weeping willow that we know so well. |
| that will fit in with your requirements. Generally | | | | Because of that association you will normally see |
| they are easy to look after and the striking colors | | | | it near a fountain or pond. It is categorized more |
| throughout the year will enhance any environment. | | | | because of its shape than its size. One of the |
| There are over 1,000 different cultivars of | | | | most popular dwarf varieties is the Crimson |
| Japanese maple but only around 10 - 15% of | | | | Queen because of its deep red color in the |
| these grow well outside of their natural habitat. | | | | autumn. It also has a counterpart called the |
| There are also different cultivars in China, Korea | | | | Crimson King which is much larger. |
| and neighboring countries. The Japanese maple is | | | | The upright and the dwarf trees also have |
| more favored by gardeners because of the | | | | different growth patterns. Some cultivars have a |
| variety of colors and shapes especially for | | | | mushroom type appearance while others grow |
| ornamental and theme gardens. | | | | vase shape. They all have the striking features of |
| Generally Japanese maple trees are grouped into | | | | textured and colored bark and are a blaze of |
| different sizes. There is the single trunk upright | | | | color throughout the year. |
| and the multi-trunk upright. These are usually | | | | With all the cultivars pruning is an essential part to |
| garden trees and can grow up to 40 feet high. | | | | help the maple keep its shape and to promote |
| The spread of foliage can vary as will the colors. | | | | growth. Clearing excessive growth during the |
| There are smaller varieties which grow from 6 to | | | | summer will allow the air to pass through and too |
| 15 feet high which makes them ideal for small | | | | see the shape and colors of the branches and |
| gardens or urban areas. | | | | trunk. |
| Yet smaller varieties are known as dwarf | | | | Perhaps one of the best known and most popular |
| Japanese maples. These are ideal for pots and | | | | maples is the Japanese 'Bloodgood' maple. This |
| borders. These will range from 18 inches to | | | | particular cultivar is pink in the spring with a |
| around 6 feet and are just as colorful as their | | | | delicate green through the summer. In the autumn |
| larger counterparts. There is also the Japanese | | | | as it flowers the leaves turn a deep crimson red |
| maple bonsai tree. The maple responds very well | | | | which is where it gets its name from. |