Acer palmatum ‘Going Green’ – A Fresh Take on Japanese Maple Elegance
Acer palmatum ‘Going Green’ is a stunning Japanese Maple celebrated for its bright green foliage, which brings a fresh and vibrant look to the garden. Unlike many red-leaved varieties, ‘Going Green’ offers a striking contrast with its lime-green leaves in spring and summer, turning a spectacular golden-yellow to rich orange in autumn. Its elegant, upright form and delicate, deeply lobed leaves make it an excellent focal point, whether planted in the ground or a container. Hardy and easy to grow, this variety is perfect for modern gardens, woodland settings, and Japanese-style landscapes
Why Grow Acer palmatum ‘Going Green’?
- Bright Green Foliage – A fresh alternative to red Japanese Maples, adding lightness to shaded areas.
- Spectacular Autumn Colour – Turns a warm golden-yellow to rich orange in autumn.
- Graceful, Upright Form – Creates an elegant, airy silhouette in the garden.
- Compact & Versatile – Ideal for smaller spaces, containers, and feature planting.
- Hardy & Low Maintenance – Thrives with minimal care and is highly adaptable.
Height of Plant
Acer palmatum ‘Going Green’ reaches a height of 3–3.6 meters, forming a well-structured, rounded shape.
Where to Site Your Acer palmatum ‘Going Green’
This striking Japanese Maple thrives in partial shade to full sun, preferring moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It’s an excellent choice for Japanese-style gardens, woodland borders, urban courtyards, and container planting. It pairs beautifully with ferns, azaleas, hostas, and ornamental grasses, creating a balanced and serene planting scheme.
How to Grow and Care for Your Acer palmatum ‘Going Green’
- Soil – Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter.
- Light – Best in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Watering – Keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry conditions.
Maintenance:
- Mulching – Apply a layer of mulch in spring to help retain moisture and protect roots.
- Pruning – Requires little pruning; remove dead or crossing branches in late winter or early spring.
- Protection from Harsh Sun – In hot climates, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
- Winter Care – Protect young trees from strong winds in exposed locations.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Acer palmatum ‘Going Green’ pairs well with Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra), hydrangeas, dwarf conifers, and spring-flowering bulbs, enhancing its vivid green foliage with seasonal contrasts. For a striking visual impact, combine with deep purple Heuchera or silver-foliaged plants.
With its fresh green foliage, graceful form, and changing seasonal interest, Acer palmatum ‘Going Green’ is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a bright and uplifting alternative to traditional red maples. Whether as a standalone specimen, container feature, or part of a woodland setting, it offers year-round beauty and structure.
