Height: 10 feet

Position: Sun or Partial Shade

Hardiness Rating: 6 7 8

Germination: Challenging

Aftercare: Care Required

Description: One of the finest for Bonsai. Very ornamental with red and gold autumn foliage and relatively quick to display results.

Sowing Instructions: Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 65-70F (18-20C). Sowing Depth: ¼ Inch (6 mm). Sow at any time of year. After sowing, seal the container inside a polythene bag to ensure a humid atmosphere, leave at 70-75F (20-25C) for 6 weeks, then pre-chill for 8 weeks. After this, gradually raise the temperature to 55F (13C).

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in a cold frame and plant out the following spring or autumn in a sheltered part of the garden and grow on for 1-3 years before planting into final position in a slightly shady, sheltered spot in moist, free draining, lime-free soil.