ACER pauciflorum 'Blaze Away'
The charming specimen at Wisley was described in The Plantsman as a "gem of a small tree". Selected from seed collected by Roy Lancaster in China in 1988, this recent introduction to cultivation has an upright habit giving it an elegant, architectural stature a little like an Acer palmatum, with which species this is said to favourably compare. Early indications suggest that A. pauciflorum 'Blaze Away' is more tolerant of the wind scorch typically caused by exposed sites, as well as being more resistant to verticillium wilt. The leaves also emerge later than those of most A. palmatum cultivars, making this one less susceptible to early season damage. An excellent alternative for sites where the better known A. palmatum may be less than idea therefore. The original tree at Wisley is now some 3.5m tall. The fabulous rich red autumn colour will enhance any garden.

ACER pectinatum subsp. forrestii 'Mozart'
This gorgeous Snakebark maple seems to be variably listed as A. x conspicuum 'Mozart', A. davidii 'Mozart' or simply 'A. 'Mozart'. However, this name is correct since it was found as a chance seedling in a bed of seedlings of Acer pectinatum subsp. forrestii from wild collected seeds by Peter Vanlaerhoven, a Dutch nurserymen. Whatever the case, it's a worthy addition to our collection that has rapidly become a favourite of mine. Enjoy the rich red twigs, particularly noticeable on the younger wood, whilst the new foliage is similarly flushed with reddish green before maturing to dark green. The winter beauty is expected, so one could argue that this one has even more interest for the rest of the year. It is particularly free branching, so a great choice where something bushier or multi-stemmed is required, with the benefit of a more modest ultimate size. A really good garden plant.
See it in the Winter Garden.

ACER pensylvanicum 'Erythrocladum'
A striking small tree with incredible bright orangey-pink bark, striped white, in winter. Typically they drop their leaves early in the autumn, though leaf fall is preceded by bright yellow autumn colour. This has a reputation for being difficult to grow, but that depends on your site. They dislike being too wet in winter, but don't like to dry out in summer. Maples are often perceived to dislike windy sites, but good air movement is important in helping prevent fungal problems during mild, wet winters. If your soil is good, this tree can be a dramatic winter feature for many years. 3m
See also Acer x conspicuum 'Phoenix' which gives fundamentally the same effect but is theoretically more amenable to cultivation. Hence we tend to grow and off it in preference.
See in the Winter Garden

ACER 'Red Wings' 
This sturdy grower is a hybrid between Acer palmatum and Acer circinatum. Whilst retaining much of the character of a Japanese Maple, the leaves are larger than is usual for them, and the countenance of the tree chunkier and more robust. The young growth is flushed with purple before turning dark green for the summer. Autumn colours are wonderful shades of reddish orange. However, the most notable feature of this splendid small tree are the bright red winged seeds that contrast so well with the foliage for much of the season.
See it in our Maple Glade