• A row of young Acer Lionheart trees in black nursery bags on gravel, with small white and green plant tags and a metal trellis in the background.
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Acer Lionheart

Acer Lionheart

Japanese Maple

$120.00
$120.00
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
Pot Size/Grade

Acer palmatum 'Lionheart' is a striking red-leaved Japanese Maple with finely divided foliage and an attractive upright yet cascading growth habit. It offers the delicate appearance of a dissectum-style maple while developing more height and structure than many of the low, strongly weeping varieties.

New foliage emerges deep crimson to burgundy-red in spring, maturing to rich purple-red through summer. As temperatures cool in autumn, the foliage intensifies into brilliant shades of crimson and scarlet red before falling.

Compact, elegant and packed with seasonal colour, 'Lionheart' makes an excellent feature tree for smaller gardens, courtyards, Japanese-inspired landscapes and large containers.

Why You'll Love Acer 'Lionheart'

  • Rich crimson to burgundy foliage
  • Finely divided, lace-like leaves
  • Brilliant scarlet-red autumn colour
  • Attractive upright and cascading habit
  • More height than many traditional weeping Japanese Maples
  • Excellent feature tree for smaller gardens
  • Suitable for large containers
  • Frost hardy once established
  • Fantastic contrast against green foliage

  • Expected 5 Year Height 2.0 M Width 1.5 M

Is Acer Lionheart suitable for my garden?

Acer Lionheart is best suited in a position that gets

  • Partial shade
  • Full sun

Acer Lionheart is

  • Frost Tolerant
  • Deciduous
  • Cold hardy

Acer Lionheart will thrive in soil that is

  • Free draining
  • Nutrient rich

How to establish your Acer Lionheart?

Plant Acer 'Lion Heart' in morning sun or part shade.

For the best foliage colour:

Protect the tree from intense afternoon sun, especially in warmer parts of New Zealand.
Choose a sheltered location away from drying winds.
Allow sufficient room for the tree to develop its natural shape.

Morning sun helps enhance foliage colour while reducing the risk of leaf scorch.

How to maintain your Acer Lionheart once established?

Water deeply once or twice a week during the first two growing seasons.

Water during:

Extended dry periods.
Hot summer weather.
Windy conditions.

Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the root zone cool.

Feed annually in early spring using a slow-release fertiliser suitable for ornamental trees.

For continued healthy growth:

Add compost around the drip line.
Replace organic mulch each year.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that encourage soft growth.

Very little pruning is required.

If needed:

Prune during winter while dormant or in midsummer.
Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches.
Retain the natural upright framework.

Avoid heavy pruning, as Japanese Maples naturally develop elegant forms.

Acer 'Lion Heart' is highly frost hardy and performs well throughout New Zealand.

Young trees benefit from:

Mulching around the base during winter.
Watering during prolonged dry spells.
Protection from strong winds while establishing.

Occasional late frosts may damage emerging spring foliage, but healthy trees generally recover quickly.

The compact habit of 'Lion Heart' makes it an excellent container specimen.

For successful container growing:

Use a premium-quality free-draining potting mix.
Select a large pot with excellent drainage.
Water regularly during warmer months.
Refresh the potting mix every few years.

Perfect for patios, decks and entranceways.

Japanese Maples are generally low maintenance.

Occasionally inspect for:

Aphids
Scale insects
Powdery mildew
Leaf scorch during prolonged dry weather

Maintaining healthy soil and even moisture levels will help keep your tree thriving.
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