Maple
Indian Summer
Acer japonicum
A magnificent and robust cultivar of the Full Moon Maple family. 'Indian Summer' is highly celebrated for its immense, heavily textured, palmately lobed leaves that can reach the size of small dinner plates. The foliage provides an incredibly dynamic color story: emerging in spring with striking pink-to-red margins over a lime-green base, maturing to a rich emerald green in summer, and culminating in an exceptionally long-lasting autumn show of neon yellows, blazing oranges, and deep crimson reds.
Growing Specifications
- Height
- 12-15 feet
- Spread
- 10-12 feet
- Watering
- Regular, deep watering cycles required
- Light
- Morning sun, afternoon shade
- Heat Tolerance
- Good with consistent ambient moisture
- Growth Rate
- Moderate (Upright and vigorous when young)
- Soil Requirement
- Rich, highly organic, acidic, well-draining soil
North Texas Micro-climate Notes
Expert Curated Selection. Because its massive leaves present a large surface area, this cultivar is susceptible to wind-burn and tip-scorch in dry climates. In North Texas, it demands a sheltered position out of the path of strong winds and strict protection from direct afternoon sunlight. Maintaining a thick 3-to-4-inch layer of organic mulch across the root zone is vital to keep soil temperatures stable during intense summer heat.
History & Lineage
- INTRODUCED BY
- a chance seedling in Europe
- HISTORY
- Discovered as a unique chance seedling and selected by the legendary plantsman Del Loucks. Renowned for selecting maples that could withstand rigorous regional conditions, Loucks' introduction brought a tough, large-leaved full moon maple to collectors that holds up remarkably well compared to older European or Asian selections.
Care Instructions
Thrives in loose, well-amended, slightly acidic environments. Requires uniform moisture throughout the hot season; apply deep, slow-soaking water at the root base rather than overhead spraying to avoid leaf damage. Avoid planting in areas with heavy, unamended clay or standing winter water.
Landscape Usage
Functions beautifully as a premium specimen tree, an understory focal point in an architectural garden layout, or styled elegantly within a high-end modern Japandi landscape scheme.
Fun Fact
The defining characteristic of 'Indian Summer' is its layered color presentation. In early summer, a secondary flush of new growth creates a beautiful contrast of fresh pink-red leaves hovering directly over the large, dark-green mature summer foliage.
Awards
Highly regarded across international maple societies for superior vigor and exceptional multi-toned fall coloration
