{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-aratama-dwarf-japanese-maple","title":"Acer palmatum 'Aratama' Dwarf Japanese Maple","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcer palmatum ‘Aratama’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a charming dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its compact form, dense branching, and exceptional seasonal colour. Derived from a witches’-broom mutation of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Komurasaki’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this distinctive cultivar forms a naturally rounded, shrub-like specimen that is perfectly suited to smaller gardens, containers, courtyards, and bonsai cultivation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe name \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Aratama’ translates to “uncut gem”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, an appropriate description for this compact maple with its unusual branching structure and constantly changing foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn early spring, ‘Aratama’ emerges with small leaves in rich shades of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebrick red, crimson, and purple-red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, often with darker colouring towards the centre of the leaf. The foliage appears densely packed along its short branches, giving the plant a full and highly textured appearance even at a young age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs spring progresses, the red colouring may deepen before gradually softening into \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebronze, olive-green, and darker green tones\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e through the warmer summer months. Fresh summer growth can introduce additional flashes of orange-red, adding further interest to the compact canopy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn autumn, ‘Aratama’ transforms once again, developing an impressive mixture of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003egolden yellow, glowing orange, fiery red, and deep purple tones\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e before the leaves fall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith its dense, short branching and naturally rounded habit, ‘Aratama’ is an outstanding choice for gardeners who want the character and seasonal colour of a Japanese Maple without the size of a larger tree. Its compact growth also makes it particularly well suited to container growing and bonsai.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Information:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClimate Adaptability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Thrives in temperate climates and performs well in moderate South African conditions. Protect from extreme summer heat and strong drying winds, particularly when grown in containers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun Exposure:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Performs well with morning sun and afternoon shade, although it can tolerate more direct sun than many delicate Japanese Maple cultivars when adequately watered. More sunlight generally encourages stronger red and purple foliage, while greater shade can result in greener summer colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained, particularly during warm weather and when grown in pots. Avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely or remain waterlogged.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Prefers fertile, slightly acidic, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Good drainage is particularly important when grown in containers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Responds well to light pruning and shaping. Its naturally dense branching makes it easy to maintain as a rounded shrub, while selective pruning can also encourage a slightly more upright form. Remove damaged or crossing branches during winter dormancy as required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilisation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser lightly in early spring. Avoid excessive high-nitrogen feeding, which can encourage overly vigorous growth and reduce its naturally compact character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A dwarf, rounded Japanese Maple reaching approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0.9–1.5 metres in height and around 1–1.5 metres wide over 10 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, depending on pruning and growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Japanese Maples South Africa","offers":[{"title":"Pot Size 19cm - (Minimum plant height including pot 40cm) 2 years old","offer_id":52430195294498,"sku":null,"price":1795.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0676\/3295\/5682\/files\/FullSizeRender_d3b3643e-736c-487b-ab55-d26568335bfe.jpg?v=1788116927","url":"https:\/\/japanesemaples.co.za\/products\/acer-palmatum-aratama-dwarf-japanese-maple","provider":"Japanese Maples South Africa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}