Acer palmatum 'Skeeter's Broom'

Introduction to Acer palmatum 'Skeeter’s Broom'

Acer palmatum 'Skeeter’s Broom' is a compact, upright variety of Japanese maple that brings stunning seasonal colour and structure to gardens both large and small. This deciduous shrub or small tree is especially prized for its finely cut, deep red to burgundy foliage that holds its colour well throughout the growing season and turns bright crimson in autumn.

Its neat, columnar form makes it a fantastic choice for borders, small spaces, containers, or as a striking focal point. 'Skeeter’s Broom' is a refined and elegant plant, perfect for those looking to add year-round interest and a splash of colour to the garden.

Planting and Positioning

To get the best performance from Acer palmatum 'Skeeter’s Broom', careful attention should be paid to planting location and soil conditions.

• Ideal Position:

  • Prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect its delicate leaves from sun scorch.

  • In cooler, temperate regions it can tolerate more direct sun, particularly in the morning.

  • Choose a sheltered site, protected from strong winds and late frosts.

• Soil Requirements:

  • Grows best in moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.

  • Avoid chalky or alkaline soil which may cause leaf yellowing or poor growth.

• Planting Tips:

  • Plant in spring or autumn to avoid extremes of temperature.

  • Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball and just as deep.

  • Enrich the planting hole with organic matter such as compost or leaf mould.

  • Firm in gently and water thoroughly after planting.

• Container Growing:

  • Suitable for large pots with good drainage.

  • Use a loam-based compost (e.g. John Innes No. 3).

  • Add a layer of grit at the base for improved drainage.

Maintenance and Seasonal Care

Once established, Acer palmatum 'Skeeter’s Broom' is low-maintenance but benefits from a few seasonal care practices to ensure optimal health and appearance.

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.

  • Do not allow to dry out completely, particularly if grown in a container.

  • Avoid waterlogged conditions.

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser.

  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of colour.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning needed; only remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

  • Best pruned in late winter to early spring, while still dormant.

  • Avoid heavy pruning as it may spoil the natural shape.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a layer of mulch in early spring to retain moisture and improve soil structure.

  • Use bark chips or composted leaf mould.

  • Keep mulch away from the base of the stem to prevent rot.

• Winter Protection:

  • Hardy in most areas but protect young plants from extreme frost or drying winds.

  • Container plants may be moved to a more sheltered spot in winter.

Garden Use and Ornamental Value

Acer palmatum 'Skeeter’s Broom' offers versatility and visual interest, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings and designs.

• Compact Growth Habit:

  • Grows slowly to around 1.5–2 metres tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller gardens, patios, and courtyards.

• Perfect for Containers:

  • Its upright, tidy form makes it one of the best Japanese maples for container growing.

• Striking Foliage:

  • Spring foliage emerges bright red, deepening to burgundy-purple through summer.

  • In autumn, leaves turn brilliant crimson for a dramatic seasonal finale.

• Design Ideas:

  • Use as a specimen plant in gravel gardens, Asian-style planting schemes, or among ornamental grasses.

  • Pairs well with ferns, hostas, heucheras, and dwarf conifers.

• Low Maintenance Beauty:

  • Requires very little intervention once established.

  • A reliable, colourful feature plant that provides beauty across multiple seasons.

Acer palmatum 'Skeeter’s Broom' is a must-have for anyone seeking structure, colour, and elegance in their garden. With its manageable size and consistent performance, it is ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners alike

• Size
  C 6 80- 100

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.