Acer p. 'Lionheart' #2

Acer palmatum ‘Lionheart’

‘Lionheart’ is a superb red laceleaf Japanese maple prized for its bold seasonal color and unique, layered habit. Leaves emerge in spring as bright pink-red to vibrant red, gradually maturing to a rich maroon for much of the growing season. In late summer, foliage may transition to shades of bronze before igniting into brilliant orange to crimson hues in fall.

The growth habit of ‘Lionheart’ is distinctive: young trees often grow upright with vigor, creating vertical interest, and as they age, branches begin to weep gracefully. This combination of upward growth and cascading layering gives the tree a dynamic, sculptural form with a striking architectural presence in the landscape.

‘Lionheart’ reaches approximately 8–10 feet tall and wide in 15 years, making it an ideal medium-sized specimen for foundation plantings, containers, or as a focal point in mixed borders. Its adaptability to part shade or full sun, combined with dramatic seasonal color, ensures this cultivar will be a showstopper in any garden.

Why We Love It: A vigorous, sculptural laceleaf that evolves from upright to gracefully weeping with a full palette of spring red, summer bronze, and fall crimson — truly a heart-stealing maple.