Acer palmatum 'Elegans' | Cultivar Spotlight

Westonbirt Arboretum hosts an annual fall photo contest, attracting a large crowd of people gathered around a particular tree known for its stunning autumn colors. During my visit to the arboretum with Peter Gregory and Hugh Angus, 'Elegans' stood out as the most vibrant and captivating maple variety across Europe. Surprisingly, it remains underutilized in the United States. Among the photos taken during our European trip, one prominently features this extraordinary selection.

The 'Elegans' maple begins with chartreuse green leaves in early spring, gradually transforming into a deep, rich green as they mature. During summer, a secondary flush adorns the foliage with a salmon pink-red hue atop the lush green backdrop. The leaves, heavily divided like a matsumurae, exhibit serrations resembling a saw on each lobe. As autumn arrives, 'Elegans' unveils its awe-inspiring display of bright oranges and reds, creating a stunning blend. Over the course of 20 years, this maple variety can grow up to 10 feet in height and width.