Acer palmatum ‘Atrolineare’ (Ribbon-leaf Japanese Maple)

The Acer House here at Architectural Plants is a world of contradictions being both a carousel of colour and texture, an emporium of choice and wonder and I-want-them-all impulses AND a serene space of soft sound, calming greens (all of them) and somewhere to become gently enveloped and caressed under the shimmering shade of a filigreed foliar roof. A secretive space filled with dappled enchantments. It’s a nice spot to have lunch in and just breathe.

You mustn’t make us choose a favourite Acer. It’s too cruel. The ribbon-like foliage of ‘atrolineare’ does have a certain hypnotic quality to it that is enchanting, though. Many of the palmatums are frothy and finely cut but this one's leaves are so elegantly simple and defined. All the reds from cardinal to claret and with a hint of green through summer. In autumn the marmalade oranges take over and this shade in particular makes it really stand out in a landscape.

The compact and softly-rounded form of this densely-foliaged little tree is upright and alert and it would make a very fine specimen tree if you were in the unenviable position of only being allowed one Acer.

Make sure it’s this one. And then book a visit to see us and have lunch in the Acer House with us and be thoroughly convinced that you must have several.

Easily grown in most soils: enrich what you have with a generous amount of mulch and organic matter and remember that as with most Acers you will get the best leaf colour in partial shade.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.