Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’

Seiryu Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum 'Seiryu') is the odd one out among the lace leaf maples, and the most useful. Other dissectums weep into low mounds; Seiryu grows upright to about 3.5m tall and 2.5m wide, a genuine small tree in finely cut, ferny foliage.

Why you'll love it

• Upright lace leaf habit. The only upright growing dissectum, so the cut leaves sit at eye level with room to plant beneath.
• Serious autumn colour. Fresh green through spring and summer, then gold and orange deepening to crimson before leaf fall.
• Sized for small spaces. At 3.5m by 2.5m it suits courtyards and entry beds a full sized maple would crowd.
• Non-invasive roots. Fine, shallow roots sit safely beside paths and paving.
• Pet friendly. Not toxic to cats or dogs.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Site it where the autumn display is seen from inside the house. Against a dark fence the foliage reads all season.

Pots and containers. One of the better maples for a container. Use a pot at least 400mm wide and a quality mix, and expect it to stay closer to 2m.

Small gardens, balconies and courtyards. The upright shape takes little ground space and brings movement to paving.

Growing Seiryu Japanese Maple in Australia

Position and climate. Best in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens, and fully frost hardy. Give it morning sun with afternoon shade in warmer districts, and shelter from hot, dry wind, which scorches the fine leaves. Further north the summer heat is against it.

Soil. Compost enriched, slightly acidic soil, with mulch to keep the roots cool. It forgives damp ground better than most Japanese maples, short of a swamp.

Water and feed. Keep summer moisture steady, especially in pots, where a missed week shows as crisped leaf tips. Slow release fertiliser in early spring is all it needs.

Pruning. Barely any. Remove dead twigs in winter and keep the canopy open. Never shear it; the layered branch structure is the point.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Seiryu in 250mm pots in packs of three, single trees in 300mm, 400mm and 500mm pots, and advanced 45L and 100L specimens. Deciduous stock delivered in winter arrives bare of leaf, ideal for transit and planting.

Stock is delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a modest first spring flush while the roots settle, then normal growth from the second season. Every tree is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Essential Japanese maple care guide for Australian gardens
• Sango Kaku, the coral bark Japanese maple
• Browse more deciduous trees
• Feature trees for Australian gardens

Common questions

Can it live in a pot permanently?

Yes, one of the best maples for it. Repot or root prune every three to four years, keep summer water up, and it settles at around 2m instead of 3.5m.

Why are the leaf tips burning?

Hot, dry wind or harsh afternoon sun over dry soil. Move a potted tree to morning sun, improve shelter and water consistently; the next flush comes through clean.

How is Seiryu different from other lace leaf maples?

Habit. Other dissectums weep into mounds a metre or so tall, while Seiryu carries the same ferny foliage upright to about 3.5m.

Will it grow in Brisbane?

It is happiest from Sydney south and in the cool hinterland. In Brisbane it needs afternoon shade, wind protection and steady water, and colour is better in a cooler climate.