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Acer palmatum var. dissectum dissectum 'Dissectum Atropurpreum'
weeping red laceleaf Japanese maple
Cultivar; the species Acer palmatum var. dissectum is native to Japan, Korea, and eastern China
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Overview
Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Dissectum Atropurpreum' is weeping red laceleaf Japanese maple (red cutleaf Japanese maple), a mounding cascading deciduous tree growing 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide. Deeply dissected (finely cut into thread-like segments) dark red-purple foliage 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) wide. The cascading dome form is wider than tall. Emerges dark red-purple in spring, holds color through summer, brightens to crimson and red-orange in fall. In Sapindaceae. Variety dissectum has deeply cut thread-like leaf segments vs. the palmate lobes of the species type. 'Dissectum Atropurpreum' is a seed-grown group — seedling variation in color intensity and form is common. Named clones such as 'Crimson Queen', 'Inaba-shidare', and 'Tamukeyama' are clonal selections with more consistent color and form. The dark red-purple color fades to bronze-green in heavy shade or sustained heat above 95°F (35°C). Leaf scorch in hot afternoon sun, wind, or dry soil. Very slow-growing — 15-25 years to full size. This slow growth rate is the primary limitation. Not drought-tolerant. Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae). Deer browse the foliage. Zones 5-8. Part sun. Growth rate is very slow.
Native Range
Cultivar. The species A. palmatum var. dissectum is native to Japan, Korea, and eastern China.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen in residential gardens, courtyard gardens, near water features, and in containers of at least 25 gallons (95 L). Cascading dome form. Red-purple dissected foliage. Morning sun with afternoon shade. Very slow-growing. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 8'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Early to mid spring (March-April). Red-purple flowers 0.25 inch (6 mm) in erect corymbs — largely hidden by the emerging foliage. 3 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red-purple, small, 0.25 inch (6 mm), in erect terminal corymbs — largely hidden by foliageFoliage Description
Dark red-purple, deeply dissected (finely cut into thread-like segments), 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) wide; emerges dark red-purple in spring, holds color through summer, brightens to crimson and red-orange in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun — morning sun with afternoon shade (4-6 hours). Well-drained acidic soil pH 5.5-6.5. Requires consistent moisture — not drought-tolerant. Red color fades in heavy shade or heat above 95°F (35°C). Leaf scorch in hot afternoon sun or wind. Very slow-growing. Prune only in summer. Verticillium wilt. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Prune only in summer (July-August) to avoid sap bleeding. The cascading mounding form is natural — do not train upright. Remove crossing or damaged branches. Thin interior branches to allow light penetration into the dome.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 25 gallons