Acer palmatum atropurpureum
10 seeds
"Redleaf maple"
Acer palmatum atropurpurea, the Redleaf maple are known to make wonderful informal upright bonsai. Native to Japan, China and Korea. In nature, it is a small growing tree to 5 meters with a dense, spreading habit. This small deciduous tree is a very showy.
These trees have the most beautiful red leaves in the Spring and Fall. During the Summer they tend to shade to a duller red or bronze, then go back bright red in the Fall. The leaves are 5-7 lobed and cut halfway to the centre of the leaf blade. The leaves reduce nicely to 1" or less. It looks wonderful on a sunny Autumn day with the sun shining on it superb foliage.
Redleaf maple start branching out at an early age. The trunks remain green/red for a very long time and the branches will remain green/redish even when the trunk has started showing a rough bark texture.
Hardiness zones 5-8, (-26C/-15F,-10C/15F) in Winter. Prospers in full sun to light shade, and in fertile, moist well drained soils, neutral to acid, away from strong winds.
For faster germination, soak the seeds in slightly hot water for 24-48 hours, followed by 3 months cold stratification before sowing at 1/4" deep in sterile gardening soil. Keep damp soil, not soaking wet. Keep pot in warm situation 20C/68F, 24C/75F. Germination usually occurs in 1-2 months. It can be a lot more depending on their degree of unbroken dormancy, don't give up.
OR
This will break their dormancy. It creates a cold and moist environment for the seeds. Mixed in seeds with slightly moistened vermiculite or peat, only damp in a ziplock bag. Close zip bag shut and store it in the salad crisper compartment of your refrigerator. If any seeds begin to sprout during the cold stratification, simply remove the seed and plant.
