Acer palmatum dissectum ‘firecracker’ / Japanese Maple
£140.00
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Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Firecracker Laceleaf Japanese Maple
- Botanical Name: Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Firecracker’
- Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub / small tree (laceleaf)
- Mature Height: 1.5–2.5m (often smaller in pots)
- Mature Spread: 2–3m (arching, cascading habit)
- Foliage Colour: Bright red in spring, holding well through summer; vivid scarlet/crimson autumn colour
- Leaf Shape: Finely cut, dissected (laceleaf) foliage
- Habit: Mounded, weeping/cascading form
- Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy in most UK & Ireland gardens; shelter improves performance)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil; slightly acidic to neutral
- Aspect: Part shade / dappled shade (morning sun ideal; shelter from harsh wind)
- Maintenance: Low
Description
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Firecracker’ is a laceleaf Japanese maple with real presence—cascading shape, delicate foliage, and colour that feels almost lit from within. In spring, the finely cut leaves emerge a bright, lively red, then hold their colour beautifully through summer when planted in the right spot. As autumn arrives, it finishes with a vivid scarlet-crimson display that makes the whole plant glow.
Its habit is naturally mounded and weeping, forming a soft, sculptural dome that’s perfect for bringing movement and texture into the garden. It’s especially striking beside stone, gravel, water, or pale paving—anywhere the foliage can be appreciated up close.
Give it shelter from wind, dappled light, and evenly moist, humus-rich soil, and ‘Firecracker’ will reward you with years of elegant structure and season-long colour.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting:
Plant in spring or autumn. Choose a sheltered position with dappled shade or gentle morning sun—this protects the fine foliage from scorching and wind-scorch. Dig a generous hole and improve the soil with leaf mould or well-rotted compost. If your soil is alkaline, add ericaceous compost to help keep conditions slightly acidic. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Plant in spring or autumn. Choose a sheltered position with dappled shade or gentle morning sun—this protects the fine foliage from scorching and wind-scorch. Dig a generous hole and improve the soil with leaf mould or well-rotted compost. If your soil is alkaline, add ericaceous compost to help keep conditions slightly acidic. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in gently, water well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Soil Preparation:
Japanese maples love humus-rich, free-draining soil. They dislike sitting wet, but they also hate drying out. Improve heavy soil with compost and fine bark; improve sandy soil with organic matter to hold moisture. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots.
Japanese maples love humus-rich, free-draining soil. They dislike sitting wet, but they also hate drying out. Improve heavy soil with compost and fine bark; improve sandy soil with organic matter to hold moisture. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots.
Watering:
Water regularly in the first year, especially during dry spells. In containers, check moisture often in summer—laceleaf maples can dry out quickly in pots. Aim for consistent moisture rather than extremes.
Water regularly in the first year, especially during dry spells. In containers, check moisture often in summer—laceleaf maples can dry out quickly in pots. Aim for consistent moisture rather than extremes.
Seasonal Care:
Low maintenance. Prune only if needed, and do it lightly in late summer or when dormant (mid-winter), removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning—its natural shape is part of the beauty.
Low maintenance. Prune only if needed, and do it lightly in late summer or when dormant (mid-winter), removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning—its natural shape is part of the beauty.
Pests & Problems:
Leaf scorch is the most common issue—usually caused by wind, strong sun, or drying out. Shelter + steady moisture prevent most problems.
Leaf scorch is the most common issue—usually caused by wind, strong sun, or drying out. Shelter + steady moisture prevent most problems.
Design Notes:
Perfect for courtyards, Japanese-inspired planting, gravel gardens, and statement pots. Beautiful with ferns, hostas, hellebores, hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass), and evergreen structure. Use it as a soft, cascading focal point near patios, entrances, or along a path.
Perfect for courtyards, Japanese-inspired planting, gravel gardens, and statement pots. Beautiful with ferns, hostas, hellebores, hakonechloa (Japanese forest grass), and evergreen structure. Use it as a soft, cascading focal point near patios, entrances, or along a path.
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