Viridis Japanese Maple

Overview

'Viridis' is a green-leaved laceleaf Japanese maple prized for its finely dissected foliage and low, cascading, mounded habit (Acer palmatum 'Viridis'). Unlike the many red and purple dissectum forms, it holds a fresh bright green through spring and summer, then shifts to warm gold in autumn. Its weeping branches and delicate, threadlike leaflets give it a soft, fountain-like silhouette that stays modest in size.

Origin & Background

The parent species, Acer palmatum, is native to Japan, Korea, eastern China, and southeastern Russia, where it grows as a woodland understory tree. 'Viridis' belongs to the Dissectum Group, a long-cultivated class of laceleaf maples with deeply cut leaves and a pendulous, cascading form. It is an older green selection propagated in the nursery trade for its reliable colour and dependable weeping shape rather than tied to a single documented breeder.

Appearance

The leaves are palmate and very deeply dissected, cut almost to the base into narrow, feathery lobes that give the whole plant a lacy texture. Foliage emerges and stays a clear light-to-medium green through the growing season, then turns golden-yellow in autumn, sometimes flushed with orange or light crimson where days are cool and bright. The form is a broad, weeping mound: branches arch outward and cascade toward the ground. It is slow growing, typically reaching about 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 m) tall and 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 m) wide over many years, usually wider than tall. Small reddish-purple flowers appear in spring and are followed by winged samaras, though both are inconspicuous next to the foliage.

Why People Grow It - Qualities & Benefits

• Fresh green laceleaf foliage that reads as light and airy in the garden
• Naturally weeping, mounded habit that needs little pruning to look good
• Warm golden autumn colour extends the season of interest
• Stays small and slow growing, so it fits courtyards, borders, and containers

Care

Light: Part shade is ideal - morning sun with protection from hot afternoon sun; the fine leaves scorch in full exposure, especially in warm zones. Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, never waterlogged; young plants are not drought tolerant and appreciate mulch to hold moisture. Soil: Rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 5.5 to 6.8). Hardiness: USDA zones 5 to 8 (sheltered sites in zone 9 in cooler summer regions). Bloom or Season: Grown for foliage - bright green spring through summer, golden-yellow in autumn, bare and sculptural in winter. Extra: As a laceleaf it is more prone to leaf scorch and twig dieback than upright forms, so siting out of harsh sun and wind matters most. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Planting & Propagation

Plant in autumn or early spring in a sheltered spot, setting the graft union at or just above soil level in well-drained ground amended with organic matter. Water deeply while establishing and mulch to keep roots cool. Named laceleaf cultivars like 'Viridis' do not come true from seed, so they are propagated by grafting onto Acer palmatum seedling rootstock; home gardeners can also try air layering or ground layering of low branches, though results are slow.

Common Problems & Pests

• Leaf scorch and crisping from too much sun, wind, or dry soil
• Verticillium wilt and root rot in poorly drained or overly wet ground
• Aphids, scale, and mites on stressed plants; occasional twig dieback

Toxicity & Safety

Non-toxic to cats and dogs. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is not listed as toxic to pets, so it is a safe choice for gardens shared with animals.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Elegant weeping form and lacy green foliage with little pruning
• Compact, slow growing, and container friendly

Cons

• Fine leaves scorch easily in full sun or drying wind
• Grafted plants are slow to establish and can be pricey

Best Suited For

• Small gardens, courtyards, and large containers wanting a focal point
• Shaded or part-shaded beds, Japanese-style plantings, and pond edges

FAQ

Does 'Viridis' stay green all summer?

Yes. It holds fresh green foliage through spring and summer, unlike red laceleaf forms, and only shifts to gold in autumn.

How big does it get?

Slowly, to about 6 to 8 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, usually broader than it is tall, so it suits smaller spaces.