Shaun Ryan, YouGarden TV presenter on how beneficial an Acer palmatum ‘Phoenix’ is to your garden:
“I love Acers, the foliage on Acers is extraordinary, and this is the Acer palmatum ‘Phoenix’. Before I even talk about the foliage on this one, I want to show you the stems, because this particular Acer not only produces gorgeous leaves, but the new stems are red, they almost look like dogwood. So in the wintertime, when all Acers lose their leaves, you have got the most stunning red stems. Like pretty much all Acers, it loves a fairly shady spot, I always think dappled shade, early morning sun or evening sun, absolutely superb. And do keep it away from winds. Acers do not like strong winds.
“This delicate foliage doesn’t want full sun, it doesn’t want harsh winds, it wants to be protected. Put it in a nice sheltered corner away from harsh winds, away from sun and it will be very, very happy. You can keep this one contained, in a pot or container it will stay compact for many years. But, if it’s in the ground, it could eventually get to five or six metres high. But that would be after many, many decades.
“Foliage-wise, you get stunning, stunning reds, crimsons on the new growth. In autumn time you get a blaze of colour, just before it drops its leaves. It’s spectacular, like a bonfire almost.
“So, a beautiful, beautiful plant. I always think Acers are a tranquil plant, they look great next to water features. A lot of people put them next to Buddhas to create that lovely little oriental space in their garden. But this particular variety is stunning, not just because of its foliage, but because of those red stems as well.”
