Acer Palmatum ‘Fire Glow’ 85cm Pot 400cm Height Outdoor Tree

Acer palmatum Fire Glow is a stunning Japanese maple variety prized for its brilliant red foliage, which lights up the garden from spring through autumn. A relatively newer cultivar, Fire Glow is especially admired for its ability to maintain its vibrant colour throughout the season, making it a superb alternative to more common red varieties like Bloodgood.

Key Features:

• Foliage: Palmate leaves emerge a vivid bright red in spring, deepen to a glowing crimson-red through summer, and then blaze into intense fiery scarlet in autumn. The leaves are slightly translucent, catching the sunlight and appearing to almost glow from within hence the name.

• Habit: Forms a small, upright tree with a broadly spreading, rounded canopy, typically growing to about 34 metres high with a similar spread over time.

• Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark adds subtle structure in winter.

It makes a spectacular focal point in borders, as a lawn specimen, or in Japanese-style gardens. Its relatively compact size also means it works well in larger containers.

Detailed Care Guide for Acer palmatum Fire Glow

Position & Light

• Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight.

• Can tolerate more sun than many other red Japanese maples, making it a good choice for slightly brighter spots, though hot afternoon sun can still scorch delicate leaves.

• Always position in a sheltered site, away from strong winds.

Shelter

• Essential to protect from cold, drying winds which can damage or shred the fine leaf tips.

Watering

• Likes soil to be consistently moist but well-drained.

• Water deeply during dry spells, especially when newly planted or grown in pots.

• Mulch each spring to conserve moisture and keep shallow roots cool.

Soil

• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, fertile, humus-rich soil.

• Avoid heavy clay or very alkaline sites. If needed, plant in raised beds or containers with ericaceous compost mixed with grit.

Feeding

• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or an acer-specific feed.

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which encourage soft, sappy growth prone to wind or frost damage.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning required.

• Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter while dormant.

• Avoid heavy cutting back which can spoil its natural shape.

Pests & Problems

• Generally very healthy and trouble-free.

• May occasionally attract aphids on new growth.

• Leaf scorch (browned edges) typically results from drought, strong winds or intense sun, rather than disease.

Container Growing

• Excellent in large pots, perfect for patios or smaller gardens.

• Use ericaceous compost with added grit, ensure the pot drains freely, and raise it on feet.

• Water consistently, and in harsh winters, wrap the container or move it to a sheltered spot to protect the roots.