Paperbark Maple
Acer griseum
​A small to medium tree with a compact, rounded crown and that can grows to 5 meters tall. It is admired for its decorative reddish-brown paper-like bark that can stay on the trunk for extended periods. Many of its younger branches and twigs have long narrow scaly ridges on them. The leaves are compound, three-lobed bright green in summer with a fiery orange-red burst of an autumnal colour
Style & size: As bonsai, they make medium to large bonsai in the upright forms. Their leaves, though large natively, can reduce significantly. Its unique barking and scarlet red spring and autumn colours add a lot of intensity to any bonsai enthusiasts collection.
Position: Prefers a full sun position but can tolerate a semi-shaded spot, for better autumnal colours move into an exposed full sun aspect.
Watering: Water thoroughly in the early morning, do not let the growing medium dry out, as the leaf tips can singe. During the hotter summer days, you may need to water between 2 and 3 times a day. If you are unable to water as frequently find a semi-shaded position for it.
Feeding: Feed bi-monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid organic fertiliser. If using a pelleted fertiliser replace when supply is depleted on the surface.
Repotting: In spring or early autumn; if repotted in autumn remember to protect the tree in winter. Younger trees grow quite profusely and hence need to be repotted every year or two. When repotting reduce rootball by no more than a third. Use a free draining soil with 2 parts Akadama and 1 Part Pumice.
Pruning: Prune current years shoots to leave three active leaf nodes. Leaf trimming can be used to induce back budding and branching.
Wiring: Pruning is the primary means of shaping, best styled with the clip and grow method. The branches scaly ridges and its delicate bark can be damaged with wiring so best to avoid wiring.
