Species shantung maple
A sturdy brown trunk, splitting into brown branches which are full of green leaves.

shantung maple

Acer truncatum

The shantung maple, or Acer truncatum, is a fast-growing tree native to parts of China and Korea. Its brilliantly bright red-orange foliage makes it stand out, especially in autumn when its leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange. It is a highly adaptable tree that can tolerate heat, severe cold, and drought. It can even handle moderate amounts of salt and air pollution. With its dense, upright growth and small size, it is an excellent choice as a shade tree or for a privacy screen. The shantung maple is a low maintenance tree that is sure to make a stunning addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Greenish yellow Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

watering

The Shantung Maple needs to be watered consistently and deeply, so that the soil remains evenly moist. However, it is important to avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot. Water your Shantung Maple when the top inch or 2 of the soil appears dry, and provide enough water so that it runs out of the bottom of the pot. Aim to water the maple twice a week in spring and summer, and once a week in fall and winter. During periods of extreme heat or drought, water may need to be provided more frequently.

sunlight

Shantung Maple (Acer truncatum) will thrive in full sun to light shade. Generally, it does best in 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, depending on the season, with some additional indirect sunlight throughout the rest of the day. During spring and summer, direct sunlight should be abundant and consistent, with slightly reduced light levels during the late fall and winter.

pruning

Shantung maple (Acer truncatum) should be pruned during the winter season, when the plant is dormant, using sharp pruning shears. Pruning is essential to help the tree maintain its form and overall health throughout the year. Generally, this species of maple should be pruned lightly each year. This will help keep the tree from becoming too large and keep the canopy from being overly dense. Old, weak, crossing, or dead branches should be removed to control the size and maintain a healthy shape. Branches that are too tall should also be trimmed down to the desired height. To promote new growth and fuller branches, it is recommended to lightly trim the ends of the branches each year.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Shantung maple typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map