{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-mila-japanese-maple","title":"Acer palmatum 'Mila' Japanese Maple","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAcer palmatum ‘Mila’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an exceptional and highly sought-after upright Japanese Maple, introduced by renowned Dutch maple breeder \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDick van der Maat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Celebrated for its intense and constantly evolving colour, ‘Mila’ is a true collector’s cultivar that delivers interest from the moment its leaves emerge in spring through to its spectacular autumn display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn early spring, ‘Mila’ bursts into growth with striking shades of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epastel pink, coral-red, and soft orange\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, often with warmer orange tones developing towards the centre of the leaf. As the foliage matures, its colour deepens and evolves, creating a beautiful mixture of contrasting tones across the tree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of ‘Mila’s most impressive characteristics is its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003esummer colour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. While many Japanese Maples become predominantly green through the warmer months, ‘Mila’ continues producing vibrant new flushes of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebright red, burgundy, and deep maroon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, creating layers of colour between the mature and newly emerging foliage. In autumn, the tree finishes the season with a brilliant display of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efiery orange and vivid red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith its upright, dense branching habit and vigorous growth, ‘Mila’ develops into an elegant small tree that works beautifully as a feature specimen in the garden or as part of a Japanese Maple collection. Its exceptional colour range and repeated seasonal flushes make it an outstanding choice for collectors looking for a cultivar that offers interest throughout the growing season.\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 many South African regions with moderate conditions. Protect from extreme afternoon heat, hot drying winds, and prolonged periods of intense summer sun to maintain the best foliage quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun Exposure:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Prefers morning sun with afternoon shade or bright filtered light. Some direct sunlight helps develop its vibrant red and pink colouring, but protection from harsh afternoon sun is recommended in hotter climates.\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 hot weather and while the tree is establishing. Avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely, but never leave the plant standing in waterlogged soil.\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 slightly acidic, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for maintaining a healthy root system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Requires minimal pruning. Remove damaged or crossing branches and lightly shape during winter dormancy if required. Its naturally upright and dense habit generally develops beautifully without extensive pruning.\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 in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid excessive high-nitrogen feeding, which can encourage overly soft growth and reduce foliage quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Upright form reaching approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2.7-3.7 metres within 15 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with mature specimens potentially reaching around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4 metres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e over time depending on growing conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Japanese Maples South Africa","offers":[{"title":"Pot Size 19cm - (Minimum plant height including pot 50cm) 2 years old","offer_id":52428901089570,"sku":null,"price":1595.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0676\/3295\/5682\/files\/FullSizeRender_1d9df061-1943-4e60-8e5d-974a47eabaa4.jpg?v=1788111171","url":"https:\/\/japanesemaples.co.za\/products\/acer-palmatum-mila-japanese-maple","provider":"Japanese Maples South Africa","version":"1.0","type":"link"}