Gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has shared his favourite plant to grow that will add vibrant colour to any garden space.
Angela Patrone Senior Lifestyle Reporter
04:03, 15 Feb 2026
Gardens will look better with Alan Titchmarsh’s ‘number 1’ plant he loves most
Japanese maples have captured the hearts of gardeners across the country, with even beginners placing them at the top of their wish lists. The enduring appeal of these stunning trees stems from several compelling factors.
Their spectacular foliage displays deep crimson hues, warm burnt orange tones and lustrous green leaves that transform any outdoor space into a vibrant spectacle of colour.
A key reason behind the widespread popularity of Japanese maples is their remarkable resilience to British weather conditions and their straightforward cultivation requirements. Even those with limited gardening experience can achieve impressive results when planting these trees.
Celebrated horticulturist Alan Titchmarsh shared his enthusiasm for Japanese maples on his YouTube platform, Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh, where he revealed his top five selections of these magnificent specimens. He explained: “The number one tree that everyone loves and that transforms any garden is the variety of Japanese Maple known as Acer. The leaves are beautiful, the colours are spectacular, and there’s a variety that works in any size garden, you can even grow them in large pots.”
Out of all of his top Japanese maple picks, this one is “the most popular”
When it comes to this variety of maple tree, the colour of Arctic Jade changes more slowly
1. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’
Alan observed that he’s “never met anyone who doesn’t like Japanese maples”, especially the Acer palmatum Sango-kaku variety, as they are “so beautiful, obliging, and they will fit in the smallest of gardens because they don’t grow terribly large”.
Of all his favourite Japanese maple selections, this one is “the most popular”. This variety is renowned for its “leaves turning from green to pinkish-red in autumn”.
2. Acer ‘Artic Jade’
The foliage of this Japanese maple tree transitions from green to orange and red during autumn. However, in this variety, Arctic Jade’s colour transformation occurs more gradually than in Acer palmatum.
Alan highlighted that the leaves begin to develop colour from the outer edges moving inwards, and their stems are green rather than the coral red shade seen on the previous Acer.
3. Acer shirsawanum ‘Moonrise’
In contrast to the previous two Japanese maples, this variety reaches a more modest height. Moonrise features foliage that is a “bright, fresh green”, but with “pinkish-tinted leaf tips”.
Alan noted that this Acer is “remarkably resistant to scorch”. He clarified that the challenge with all Japanese maples is “they hate drying winds and scorching sunshine”; dappled shade is what they like.
When it comes to dark foliage, few are a deeper shade than Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
Japanese maples with very finely cut leaves are varieties of Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’
4. Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
For dark foliage, few varieties match the deep hue of Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’.
This moderately sized Japanese maple boasts exceptionally dark leaves that display vibrant colours before they drop. It’s an excellent choice for creating contrast alongside lighter green acers in your garden.
5. Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Garnet’
Japanese maples with very delicate, finely cut foliage belong to the Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ varieties, meaning their leaves are more intricately dissected and divided.
Alan particularly favours the purple Dissectum varieties, which possess an “arching habit of deep purple leaves turning bright orange in autumn”.
These Acers typically develop into a lower, mounded shape rather than growing tall and upright, making them “very suitable for small gardens, but also for planting in pots and tubs”.
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