Peve Dave Japanese Maple

Peve Dave Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Peve Dave')

Peve Dave Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Peve Dave') is a dwarf cultivar prized for its tight, rounded form and vibrant red foliage that holds its color well into summer. Developed by Dutch plantsman Pieter Zwijnenburg Jr., this selection is valued for its dense branching, slow growth, and long-lasting leaf color�making it ideal for small spaces, container gardens, and collectors seeking compact structure with high visual impact.

Distinctive Features

'Peve Dave' emerges in spring with bright red leaves that deepen to a rich maroon through summer, then transition to fiery crimson in autumn. The foliage is palmate and slightly smaller than standard upright forms, giving it a neat, fine-textured look. Its naturally rounded habit rarely exceeds 4 to 5 feet tall and wide over ten years, maintaining its mounded shape with minimal pruning. The dense branching creates a full silhouette and adds winter interest even when bare.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color in morning sun with some afternoon protection in hotter regions.
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture without becoming soggy.
• Humidity: Tolerates average humidity well when sited with good air movement.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; reliably hardy across most temperate regions.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Bold red color and tight form make it ideal for spotlight areas.
• Container Gardens: A perfect fit for decorative pots on patios, decks, or courtyards.
• Foundation Beds: Compact habit complements architectural lines and small-scale spaces.
• Japanese Gardens: Adds structure, color, and year-round interest to formal or informal designs.
• Collector Gardens: A standout for its dwarf size and saturated foliage tones.

Low Maintenance Care

'Peve Dave' is low-maintenance and naturally compact. Its tight growth habit requires little pruning and thrives with basic seasonal care.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot or dry periods.
• Pruning: Prune only as needed in late winter to remove deadwood or gently shape.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and foliage color.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Resilient under good cultural conditions; watch for leaf scorch if placed in excessive sun.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy with no special winter protection needed; mulch can help insulate the root zone.

Why Choose Peve Dave Japanese Maple?

'Peve Dave' offers year-round interest and rich color in a manageable size, making it one of the most versatile dwarf red Japanese maples available for residential landscapes and container displays.

• Compact and Rounded: Naturally tight form is ideal for small gardens and urban settings.
• Consistent Red Color: Deep maroon foliage holds its tone well through the growing season.
• Brilliant Fall Display: Scarlet tones light up the autumn landscape.
• Perfect for Containers: Slow growth and neat habit make it ideal for patio or courtyard plantings.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal care needed to maintain form and color year after year.

For gardeners seeking a richly colored, compact specimen with structural beauty, Peve Dave Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Peve Dave') delivers bold impact in a small, refined package.