Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s broom’

‘Skeeter’s Broom’ is a witch’s-broom sport of ‘Bloodgood’, giving you the same rich red colour on a much narrower plant. Five-lobed leaves emerge bright red in spring, mature to deep purple-red through summer, then turn ruby-red in autumn.

It grows strongly upright with multiple stems and tight branching, eventually around 2m tall but staying just under 1m wide. The narrow fastigiate silhouette makes it ideal where a wider acer wouldn’t fit.

Plant in any moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Hardier than most palmatums thanks to its Bloodgood parentage. Minimal pruning, only in late summer.

A cracking specimen for a narrow bed, a doorway pair, a courtyard, or a tight corner where vertical structure is needed.