Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’ – A Dramatic Japanese Maple with Deep Purple Foliage
Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’ is a striking deciduous Japanese maple prized for its deep purple, finely cut foliage and elegant, graceful growth habit. Its lacy, almost feathery leaves create a delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with other garden plants. Throughout the seasons, the foliage transitions from a rich burgundy-black in spring and summer to vivid crimson-red in autumn, making it a captivating focal point in any garden
Why Grow Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’?
- Deep Purple, Lace-Like Leaves – Adds dramatic colour and texture to garden designs.
- Beautiful Autumn Display – Leaves turn a fiery red, providing stunning seasonal interest.
- Compact & Graceful Growth – Ideal for small gardens, containers, and shaded borders.
- Low Maintenance & Hardy – A resilient choice for adding elegance with minimal care.
Height of Plant
Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’ grows slowly to around 1.8–2.4 m in height w, forming a compact, airy canopy.
Where to Site Your Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’
This ornamental maple thrives in partial shade to full sun, preferring sheltered positions with moist, well-drained soil. It’s perfect for:
- Borders and woodland gardens
- Specimen planting and focal points
- Containers on patios and terraces
- Japanese-style gardens
How to Grow and Care for Your Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’
- Soil – Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; avoid waterlogged or overly dry conditions.
- Light – Best in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Too much direct sun may scorch the delicate leaves.
- Watering – Keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry periods or when grown in containers.
Maintenance:
- Pruning – Requires little pruning; trim lightly in late winter to remove dead or damaged branches.
- Mulching – Apply mulch in spring to retain moisture and protect roots.
- Pest & Disease Resistance – Generally trouble-free, though aphids and verticillium wilt can occasionally be an issue.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’ pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, Japanese anemones, and ornamental grasses, creating a harmonious, layered planting. It also works well alongside bamboo, rhododendrons, and other acers for a balanced Japanese-style garden.
With its delicate yet dramatic foliage, compact size, and stunning seasonal colours, Acer palmatum ‘Black Lace’ is a perfect addition to elegant, shaded gardens or container displays. Its graceful form and rich hues provide year-round interest, making it a standout choice for any landscape.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
