Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Orangeola’ Standards, commonly known as the Japanese Weeping Maple ‘Orangeola’, is a highly decorative small tree celebrated for its finely divided foliage and graceful cascading shape. Grafted onto a standard, it forms a compact, umbrella-like canopy that provides year-round visual appeal. Its name ‘Orangeola’ reflects the brilliant colour display through the seasons—fresh orange-red foliage in spring, deepening to rich burgundy tones in summer, and glowing with fiery orange and crimson hues in autumn.

Flowers:
Small clusters of red-purple flowers appear in spring before the leaves fully emerge. Though subtle, they add delicate seasonal interest and attract pollinators.

Foliage:
Finely dissected leaves emerge bright orange-red in spring, gradually darkening to deep reddish-green as the weather warms. In autumn, the foliage transforms into vivid shades of orange, scarlet, and red—one of the most spectacular colour displays among Japanese maples.

Fruit:
Produces small, winged samaras (helicopter seeds) in late summer to autumn, adding ornamental texture even after the foliage has fallen.

Form and Size:
A slow-growing deciduous small tree with a naturally weeping, layered form. When grafted as a standard, it typically reaches around 2–3 metres high (depending on graft height) and 2–3 metres wide, creating a beautiful cascading dome shape.

Growing Conditions:
Prefers a sheltered position in full sun to part shade. Protect from strong winds and hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Grows best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter. Apply mulch around the root zone to maintain soil moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.

Uses:
A perfect feature tree for courtyards, small gardens, or Japanese-inspired landscapes. Excellent as a specimen in decorative pots, near water features, or as a focal point in shaded garden beds. Its ever-changing foliage makes it an exceptional tree for seasonal colour and form.

Maintenance:
Low maintenance once established. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning to preserve its natural cascading form. Apply a slow-release fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring.

Notes:
‘Orangeola’ is one of the most heat-tolerant weeping Japanese maples, making it an excellent choice for warmer regions such as the Sunshine Coast if given protection from direct afternoon sun. Its compact size and brilliant autumn colour make it ideal for both residential and formal landscapes.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with Camellias, Azaleas, Liriopes, and Japanese Forest Grass. Complements water features, rock gardens, and shaded planting schemes with ferns or Hosta.

Common Name: Japanese Weeping Maple ‘Orangeola’
Botanical Name: Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Orangeola’
Family: Sapindaceae
Origin: Japan