Top 10 Japanese Maple Tree Varieties

Good companion plants for Japanese maples:

Growing and Caring for Japanese Maples

Japanese maple trees can provide a striking focal point, be the perfect plant to set off a large container, or grow into an impressive bonsai specimen. There are hundreds of Japanese maple varieties that come in various sizes with a large assortment of leaf shapes and colors that range from shades of green to orange, red, purple, and variegated.

• The Basics
• Planting Japanese Maples
• Care and Pruning
• Design Ideas
• Pictures
• Where to Buy

THE BASICS

Acer palmatum. Photo by: Philip Bird | Dreamstime.

Zones:

Generally, zones 5-8. Heat is a consideration, especially in the south, not necessarily for the health of the maple but for its effect on leaf color, causing many purple or red-leaved varieties to “go green” in the summer. They typically leaf out early in the season and a late cold snap can cause serious damage even to mature specimens.

Height/Spread:

Varieties from 8 to 30 feet tall and wide.

Exposure:

Providing the right amount of light can be a balancing act. Too much light can damage delicate leaves. Too little light, and some of the more colorful varieties will take on a greenish tone — still attractive, but not the brilliant fall color of reds and purples as would be expected. For best color, most maples need a location with part day’s sun or at least high light.

Foliage color:

Famous for their phenomenal fall colors, Japanese maples also present purples, reds, yellows, oranges, and greens as well as variegation throughout the growing season.

Growth rate:

Most Japanese maples grow at a slow to moderate rate of 1 to 2 feet per year. They typically grow fastest when they are young and slow down as they reach maturity. Planting them in a spot where they are happy and caring for them well helps maximize their growth rate. If you want an established look right from the start, you can opt to plant an older, larger maple rather than a young one that may take years to mature. If this isn’t an option, select a cultivar that has a reputation for being a faster-than-average grower, such as Acer palmatum ‘Beni-otake’.

Types:

Japanese maples offer plenty of diversity. Compare the different types of Japanese maples here.

PLANTING JAPANESE MAPLES

Planting a young Japanese maple tree. Photo by: Darkop | Dreamstime.

When to plant:

Fall is an excellent time to plant because it allows the roots of your Japanese maple to get established while the rest of the tree is dormant. However, many gardeners also find success planting in the spring. Either way, make sure there is no threat of frost which can damage a newly planted tree.

Location:

Japanese maples prefer to be in locations protected from strong winds and spring frosts.

Soil:

Japanese maples are fairly adaptive, but prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils that contain organic matter. If you live in an area with heavy clay soil, planting them slightly elevated is beneficial; this will help guard against root rot and disease. Chlorosis (yellowing of leaves due to lack of chlorophyll) may occur in high-pH soils.

Container planting:

Many of the smaller varieties are excellent in containers. Japanese maples “self stunt,” meaning their top growth will decrease when their roots are confined. When planting in a container, it is still wise to focus on small to medium varieties or dwarf forms.

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CARE and PRUNING

The compact form of this dwarf variety and its unique arrangement of leaves, which are layered like roof shingles, make Acer palmatum ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’ an excellent choice for growing in a pot and a top pick of bonsai enthusiasts. Zones 5-8. Photo by: Richard Bloom.

Water:

Water them well at planting time and regularly thereafter. Although they can endure periodic dry spells once established, you will want to avoid moisture extremes and water regularly during extreme drought. Maples like mulch to protect their roots from heat and cold, as well as reduce the frequency of watering, especially for those in containers. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk.

Fertilizer:

Low-nitrogen fertilizer is fine in spring (N-15 or lower), but don’t apply after May, as this could impede fall color and winter toughness. It is best to wait to fertilize newly planted Japanese maples until their second growing season.

Pruning:

As a rule, Japanese maples don’t require regular pruning and will create their own naturally beautiful shape. However, if you want to create an airy look, thin out branches over time; to create a canopy, remove lower limbs. Japanese maples are an exception to the common pruning times of fall and winter because of the sap that will ooze from the cuts in those seasons; this can lead to disease and a weakened tree. The best time for pruning is July-August when sap won’t ooze from the branches. Because many Japanese maples are grafted, any shoots that grow from the base of the plant should be removed as these can become stronger than the grafted section and overtake it.

Problems, Diseases, Pests:

For the most part, Japanese maples don’t suffer from any serious insect or disease problems. They can be susceptible to stem canker, leaf spots, fusarium, verticillium wilt, botrytis, anthracnose, and root rot. Mites can be troublesome, and other pests may include aphids, scale, borers, and root weevils.

More care information here: Japanese Maple Care

JAPANESE MAPLE DESIGN IDEAS

Japanese maples can stand alone as a single spectacular centerpiece, focal point, or accent, as well as work together to provide a dramatic backdrop. They play well with others, particularly plants with similar light and water needs. Perennials and ground covers planted around them can add additional color to the area as well as provide an area of protection to the trunk from mower and weed-eater injury.

Good companion plants for Japanese maples:

Tip: Japanese maples can be limbed up to reveal their sculptural branching and allow easy views of nearby plantings.

Top 10 Japanese Maple Tree Varieties

Japanese maple trees or Acer palmatum are small, unique trees that are great for growing in the ground or in pots. In fact they are the most typical trees used for Bonsai. These mesmerizing trees are treasured by many cultures and add major visual appeal to any landscape. Japanese maples are the perfect trees for small, peaceful landscape sanctuaries like rock, zen, or cottage gardens. Japanese maples grow from USDA zones 5 to 8 or 9. These Japanese maples can all grow in full sun or part shade, but we do recommend some shade for most of these varieties when grown in southern and other warm climates, particularly zones 8 and 9. Buy Japanese maple trees at our online plant nursery.

#1 Bloodgood Japanese Maple

Reaching heights around 15 feet this tree is one of the larger of the Japanese maples. So you get those pretty delicate leaves, but with some nice height to provide some shade for your yard. In spring you may have a couple weeks of green when the new leaves emerge, but these quickly turn into a deep burgundy and brighten to a crimson in fall.

#2 Emperor One Japanese Maple

Emperor One is an improved variety of upright Japanese Maple that is similar to the classic Bloodgood. This dwarf shade tree offers 3 seasons of rich red to purple color. The Emperor Japanese maple grows 10 to 15 feet tall and wide at maturity.

#3 Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

The Crimson Queen is a stunning red lace leaf Japanese maple. This dwarf tree has a lovely weeping habit and is low branching. The Crimson Queen reaches about 10 feet tall and wide at maturity and is an excellent specimen for containers.

#4 Coral Bark Japanese Maple

This coral bark maple is a petite shade tree with stunning and unique coral colored bark. The Coral Bark Japanese maple grows well in full sun even in warmer climates. Perfect for small yards that need vibrant color and flare, this maple is a lovely focal tree. The Coral Bark is a large Japanese maple tree, sometimes reaching as much as 25 feet.

#5 Orangeola Japanese Maple

The Orangeola Japanese Maple is a weeping maple with amazing orange to red color. Its compact size of 6 to 8 feet tall and wide at maturity fits just about anywhere. This is a perfect lace leaf maple for pots. The heat tolerant Orangeola is one of the best choices for warmer climates.

#6 Red Dragon Japanese Maple

A stunning dwarf maple with red lacy foliage, the Red Dragon is outstanding in containers. It grows to about 8 feet tall and wide at maturity.

#7 Tamukeyama Japanese Maple

The award winning Tamukeyama lace leaf maple is a compact and hardy variety that is low maintenance. Enjoy 3 seasons of regal red and purple foliage. This Japanese maple has a mature size of 6 to 8 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.

#8 Weeping Viridis Japanese Maple

With fabulous green foliage the Viridis is perfect for complementing red and purple Japanese maple varieties. This cascading dwarf tree is beautiful in containers. The Viridis Japanese maple has a mature size of 6 to 8 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.

#9 Butterfly Variegated Japanese Maple

This dwarf tree is upright with exciting variegated foliage. Its compact width fits in even the smallest spaces. The Butterfly Japanese maple reaches round 10 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide at maturity.

#10 Inaba Shidare Lace Leaf Japanese Maple

The Inaba Shidare has amazing purple to red color. At a mere 8 to 10 feet tall and about 12 feet wide at maturity this compact maple tree is perfect size for small yards. This is an excellent Japanese maple for containers.

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