Article and pictures by David Marks. Rare in the UK but more common in the USA, Lemon Lime Lace is from the dissectum (laceleaf) group of Japanese Maples. The name ‘Lemon Lime Lace’ describes the leaves perfectly. They are very delicate and lace like opening in spring with a definite lime colour. This turns to a lime green green in summer. The added bonus, if they have enough light, is that they finally turn to orange in late autumn. This is a slow growing forming a 3m / 10ft mound at maturity.

The branches tend to be long and drooping which gives this cultivar a rather irregular overall shape although the leaves and branches are densely formed. The spreading shape does no lend itself to growing in containers unless frequent pruning is performed.

TECHNICAL DETAILS FOR ACER PALMATUM KOKO

Genus	Acer
Species	palmatum
Variety	‘Lemon Lime Lace’
Light	Most conditions are suitable
Hardy	Yes
Soil	Slightly acidic and well-drained
Height	3m / 10ft after 20 years
Spread	4m / 13ft after 20 years
Spread	Dense irregular shaped mound
Colour	Lemon, then lime green then orange in fall
Colour	No
Bonsai	No

LEAF FORM

Acer palmatum Lemon Lime Lace has truly lace like leaves making it one of the most attractive dissectum (lace leaf) cultivars. Each leaf has four or five lobes divided right back to the stalk. Individual lobes are further divided. The stems are normally red although in the specimen shown on the left they are green. The edges of the lobes have serrated edges.

SUPPLIERS OF LEMON LIME LACE
We have been unable to find any stockists of acer palmatum ‘Lemon Lime Lace’ who will deliver in the UK. It is available in the USA and Australia.