Vitifolium

Character & interest

‘Vitifolium’ is a great classic among “full moon maples” for two reasons:

1. the texture and volume of its leaves—broad and graphic,

2. a very readable and often spectacular autumn colour, with warm and deep tones.

It is particularly suitable if you want a Japanese maple that really has presence in the garden, without requiring complicated pruning.

Colours

• Spring : light green (often with a bronze nuance at budbreak).

• Summer : green to dark green.

• Autumn : a wide palette, often purple/violet, crimson, orange (sometimes with a yellow phase depending on conditions).

Habit & vigour

Bushy habit at first, then a small tree with a strong framework, often multi-stemmed. Good vigour: it establishes well in the ground and, over time, forms a broad, well-balanced crown.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• often around 3 to 4.5 m tall and wide,

• some references give 5 to 6 m (or more in the very long term under ideal conditions),

• several catalogues indicate about 4 m at around 10 years.

Exposure

Bright partial shade or gentle sun. A sheltered position (dry winds, scorching afternoon sun) limits leaf scorch and helps maintain good summer foliage.

Origin & history

The name ‘Vitifolium’ literally means “with vine leaves”, referring to the leaf shape (large, rounded, shallow lobes). It is a widely distributed horticultural selection of Acer japonicum, recognised for its autumn colours and awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM).