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 compact, upright red-leaf cultivar known for its intense foliage color and tidy, narrow shape. A sport of the popular 'Bloodgood' maple, it offers brilliant red new growth that holds its color well through summer before turning vibrant crimson in fall. Its dense, broom-like form and small footprint make it an excellent focal point in smaller gardens, containers, or urban landscapes where space is limited but color and structure are desired.

Distinctive Features

'Skeeter�s Broom' features narrow, palmate leaves that emerge bright scarlet in spring, maturing to deep maroon and finally shifting to vivid red in autumn. Its upright, columnar growth habit stays neat and narrow, reaching 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide over time. This cultivar is prized for maintaining a consistent, rich red coloration and for its manageable size and structure.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color retention occurs with morning sun and some afternoon protection.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during dry periods, especially while establishing.
• Humidity: Moderate; avoid overly windy or exposed locations that dry out the foliage.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; reliably hardy with some protection from extreme cold or drying winds.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Bright foliage and upright form draw attention in foundation beds or garden islands.
• Containers: A top performer in decorative pots on patios, terraces, or entryways.
• Urban Gardens: Compact habit makes it ideal for smaller lots or tight planting areas.
• Mixed Borders: Adds vertical contrast and bold color among green or gold-leafed plants.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stones, water, and evergreens with refined structure and color.

Low Maintenance Care

'Skeeter�s Broom' is a low-maintenance tree with minimal pruning needs and dependable seasonal performance. Its natural form stays clean and upright without intervention.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during hot weather.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; shape lightly in late winter if necessary to maintain form.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage steady growth.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free; occasional leaf scorch may occur in extreme heat without shade.
• Winter Care: Hardy to Zone 5; mulch around the base in late fall to insulate roots.

Why Choose Skeeter�s Broom Japanese Maple?

Skeeter�s Broom offers bold red foliage, a tidy upright habit, and ease of care, making it one of the best choices for gardeners seeking year-round structure and vibrant color in smaller spaces.

• Long-Lasting Red Foliage: Bright spring color holds through summer and peaks in fall.
• Space-Saving Growth: Compact, upright habit fits tight spaces and narrow borders.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally neat with few pruning needs.
• Versatile Placement: Equally at home in containers, borders, or focal points.
• Reliable Performance: Cold hardy, colorful, and consistent year after year.

For rich color, a refined silhouette, and reliable performance, Skeeter�s Broom Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Skeeter�s Broom') is an outstanding choice for home landscapes and collectors alike.