Érable japonais lacinié orange-rouge

Orangeola Laceleaf Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum var. dissectum

Orangeola (<em>Acer palmatum</em> var. <em>dissectum</em> ‘Orangeola’) is a weeping Japanese maple with finely dissected leaves. Orange-red when they emerge, the foliage turns greenish-red in summer, while a second flush of orange-red leaves creates a two-tone contrast, then the entire crown blazes in autumn. It can reach approximately 2.4 m (8 ft.) in height and 3 to 3.7 m (10 to 12 ft.) in width. Hardy in zone 5 in a sheltered Quebec location, it prefers morning sun or partial shade, moist, well-drained humus-rich soil, and protection from wind, salt, and reflected heat. The keyword "Orangeola Japanese maple" refers specifically to this grafted cultivar.

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Exposure
Morning sun to partial shade; full sun only in a cool, sheltered location
Hardiness
Zone 5

Discover the plant

Common nameOrangeola Laceleaf Japanese Maple
FamilySapindaceae
GenusAcer
Speciespalmatum var. dissectum
CultivarOrangeola
TypeSmall ornamental deciduous tree with a weeping habit
Botanical nameAcer palmatum var. dissectum

Orangeola Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Orangeola’). ( Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Orangeola’) forms a small deciduous tree with arching and weeping branches. Its finely dissected leaves emerge orange-red in spring, mature to greenish-red during summer, and welcome new orange-red growth creating a characteristic bicolour effect. In autumn, the entire crown turns red then fiery orange. An untrimmed specimen can reach approximately 2.4 m in height by 3 to 3.7 m in width. This cascading silhouette and succession of colours clearly distinguish Orangeola from uniform green or purple Japanese maples.

In Quebec, plant Orangeola in a sheltered zone 5 microclimate, in morning sun or bright partial shade. It tolerates more sun than several red cutleaf maples when the soil remains cool, but dry wind, reflected heat, and a desiccated root ball can scorch its delicate leaves. Choose a humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral, consistently moist, and very well-drained soil. Water deeply during the first two seasons and during droughts, keep the crown and graft union visible, then apply 5 to 8 cm of mulch without touching the trunk. Keep it away from de-icing salt.

Use this Japanese maple as a specimen near a terrace, above a low wall, in a sheltered courtyard, a cool rock garden, or an Asian-inspired garden. Reserve its adult width to avoid shearing the cascade. Small reddish spring flowers can produce discreet samaras, but the changing foliage remains the main attraction. Prune lightly after leaves unfurl to remove dead wood, a crossed branch, or a shoot from the rootstock; do not shorten all tips. The Asian species is not native to Canada: accompany it with regional plants adapted to partial shade to enrich the ecological value of the planting bed.

Érable japonais Orangeola à feuilles laciniées ‘Orangeola’ (Acer palmatum var. dissectum)

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density Space about 3.5 to 4 m (11 to 13 ft) apart to allow for the weeping canopy to mature
Best planting time Spring or early autumn, allowing sufficient time for rooting before the first frost
Propagation Grafting onto a compatible Acer palmatum rootstock to faithfully preserve Orangeola

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, about 5.5 to 7.0

Minimum temperature

Around -23 to -29 °C depending on the microclimate (zone 5)

Care level

Light to moderate

Watering

Water slowly and deeply after planting, then keep the root ball and surrounding soil evenly moist for the first two seasons. Check moisture under the mulch before watering again. During prolonged drought, wet the entire root zone before leaves wilt or turn brown. Avoid small daily waterings against the trunk, standing water, and systems that keep bark continually wet.

Soil type

Choose fertile, humiferous, cool, and well-drained soil. A slightly acidic to neutral loam supports rooting and consistent coloration. Loosen a wide area without burying the root collar and correct drainage before planting. Avoid constantly waterlogged clay, sand that dries out immediately, compacted backfill, and small pits surrounded by paving, as root stress promotes leaf scorch and dieback.

Fertilization

In fertile soil, an organic mulch and a thin layer of mature compost are usually sufficient. If growth appears weak, have the soil analyzed before applying a tree fertilizer according to its label. Avoid high doses of nitrogen, products applied against the trunk, and late fertilization, which can prolong tender growth before winter. Steady growth produces a stronger crown than forced growth.

Moisture

Average to cool; regular moisture without standing water

Seasonal care

In spring, inspect the trunk, graft union, root collar, and main crotches after the snow melts. Replace 5 to 8 cm of mulch without covering the bark, remove tight ties, and water if rainfall is insufficient. Monitor bud break on several branches before concluding that winter damage has occurred. In summer, check for moisture, drainage, and compaction as soon as leaf margins brown; young leaves can also suffer from dry wind and intense sun. Observe for aphids, scale insects, leaf spots, and verticillium wilt symptoms, then obtain a diagnosis before treating. Prune after leaf expansion or during dormancy to remove only dead, broken, diseased, or crossing wood. In autumn, water deeply before frost if the soil is dry and collect heavily spotted foliage. In winter, keep salted snow out of the root zone and protect the young trunk from rodents without tightening the guard. Clean tools between trees, never top the crown, and have large cracks evaluated by an arborist. Periodically re-evaluate clearance from buildings, wires, and pavements. Keep a record of heat episodes, watering, and damage to distinguish site stress from a recurring pest problem. After a storm, look for split branches and damaged ties. Remove winter protection before heat builds up and keep the mower out of the mulch ring.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

About 2 to 2.4 m (6.5 to 8 ft)

Width / spread

Approximately 3 to 3.7 m (10 to 12 ft)

Flower color

Purplish red, discreet

Foliage color

Orange-red in spring; greenish-red with orange new growth in summer; fiery red and orange in autumn

Foliage type

Obsolete

Growth rate

Slow to moderate

Growth habit

Weeping, widely spreading and forming a cascading dome

Bloom period

Small, reddish-purple flowers appear discreetly in spring, before or during leaf expansion. They are not the cultivar's main attraction but add seasonal detail and can provide a timely resource for early active insects. Their abundance varies with the tree's age, the weather, and the presence of other maples. Avoid insecticides during flowering unless justified by a specific diagnosis and need.

Fruiting

Winged samaras may follow flowering when the tree reaches maturity and pollination is successful. They are secondary to the foliage, and their quantity varies from year to year. The seeds do not faithfully reproduce the 'Orangeola' cultivar, which is vegetatively propagated. Therefore, do not present a spontaneous seedling as the same cultivar. Remove unwanted seedlings while they are small and keep the root crown clear of fruit accumulation and debris.
Érable japonais Orangeola à feuilles laciniées ‘Orangeola’ (Acer palmatum var. dissectum)

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Pair Orangeola with dwarf conifers, low-growing dogwoods, ferns, hostas, foamflowers, Canada wild ginger, sedges, and Solomon's seal, all of which thrive in cool, well-drained soil. Native plants suited to the site add flowers, fruits, and ground cover. Install them towards the periphery of the future canopy without cutting roots, covering the root flare, or obscuring the weeping branches. Avoid invasive groundcovers, repeated digging, and vigorous shrubs that would engulf the dome. Similar moisture requirements simplify maintenance. Choose long-lived and non-invasive partners.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

The small spring flowers can be visited by certain insects, the samaras offer an occasional resource, and the dome provides cover or perches. However, Orangeola is a non-native Asian cultivar with limited ecological value; combine it with several layers of regional plants adapted to the site.