We're offering you a Acer palmatum Little Princess for £49.99, saving you up to 17% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £59.99 (correct as of 25.11.2025).

Acer palmatum 'Little Princess' – Japanese Maple for All Seasons

Add a vibrant touch to your outdoor space with the Acer palmatum 'Little Princess', a compact Japanese Maple prized for its ornamental foliage and neat growth habit. Belonging to the Aceraceae family, this deciduous tree is perfect for gardeners seeking year-round visual interest in smaller spaces.

• Spring: Unfurling leaves emerge deep red, creating an early burst of colour.
• Summer: Foliage matures to fresh green, keeping your garden lively through warmer months.
• Autumn: Leaves ignite in shades of orange and gold, making it a true seasonal highlight.

Growing Guide & Care Instructions

• Position: Thrives best in partial shade but tolerates dappled sunlight. Avoid harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5). Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist—especially during dry spells and the first two years after planting.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; shape lightly in late winter or early spring if desired.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser for acid-loving plants each spring.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H5); withstands winter frosts down to -15°C.

Usage Ideas & Companion Planting

• Pots & Patios: Stunning in containers—pair with heucheras or ferns for contrast.
• Borders & Rock Gardens: Combine with azaleas, rhododendrons, or hostas for layered texture.
• Cottage Gardens: Use as a focal point among spring bulbs or shade-loving perennials.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant?
  The ideal planting period is autumn through early spring while the tree is dormant.
• How fast does 'Little Princess' grow?
  This variety is slow-growing, typically reaching its mature height of around 1–1.5m in 10–15 years.
• What type of soil does it prefer?
  'Little Princess' thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils—avoid chalky or very alkaline ground for best results.