Skeeter's Broom Japanese Maple

Skeeter's Broom Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Skeeter's Broom')

Skeeter's Broom Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Skeeter's Broom') is a narrow, upright dwarf red selection with small, closely set leaves that emerge bright crimson, hold burgundy to maroon in summer, and finish vivid scarlet in fall; its broom type, tight internodes create a columnar accent ideal for small gardens and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Skeeter's Broom' offers strong red color on a compact, upright framework derived from a witches' broom mutation, delivering dense branching, fine texture, and a clean winter silhouette.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; provide afternoon protection in hot regions.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain even moisture; avoid drought and waterlogged soil.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 6 to 8 ft tall, 3 to 5 ft wide, narrow upright habit.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Columnar red canopy adds vertical color in tight spaces.
• Entry Gardens: Frames paths and patios without overpowering.
• Containers: Excellent in large, stable planters for close viewing.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with conifers and light green shrubs.
• Court yards and Patios: Space efficient structure for small beds.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil consistently moist.
• Pruning: Minimal; light edits in late winter to preserve the narrow outline.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and partial afternoon shade in hot sites to reduce leaf scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Skeeter's Broom Japanese Maple?

• Dwarf Vertical Form: Naturally narrow habit fits patios and small borders.
• Season Long Red: Crimson spring, burgundy summer, and scarlet fall.
• Refined Texture: Small leaves and tight nodes read elegant up close.
• Design Flexibility: Works as specimen, pair, or container feature.
• Low Maintenance: Tidy structure with minimal pruning needs.

For the richest color and healthiest canopy, site in bright light with afternoon shade in hot climates and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.