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Best japanese maple tree


21 of the Best Japanese Maple Varieties

Picture some of the most beautiful gardens that you’ve ever seen. Chances are, many of them had a Japanese maple or two (or three). That’s because these trees are so incredibly unique, elegant, and colorful.

Plus, there are so many size, shape, and growth combinations available, you’re sure to find what you need to add height, texture, or color to a garden display.

Chances are, if you need a small tree to add interest to your own garden, there’s a Japanese maple that fits the bill.

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That said, the marvelous variation available is also what makes shopping for one of these trees a bit challenging. A well-stocked nursery can be downright overwhelming!

This guide will help you to narrow down the search. Up ahead, we feature some of the best options out there.

Whether they are particularly hardy, exceptionally beautiful, or one of the more popular or unique trees out there, there’s something on this list for everyone who is in the market for a Japanese maple to grow at home.

Here are the trees you’re about to learn all about:

21 of the Best Japanese Maple Varieties

  1. Autumn Moon
  2. Beni Kawa
  3. Butterfly
  4. Coonara Pygmy
  5. Coral Bark
  6. Crimson Queen
  7. Emperor One
  8. Green Cascade
  9. Higasayama
  10. Hogyoku
  11. Koto Ito Komachi
  12. Lion’s Mane
  13. Osakazuki
  14. Red Dragon
  15. Scolopendrifolium
  16. Seiryu
  17. Usugumo
  18. Velvet Viking
  19. Villa Taranto
  20. Viridis
  21. Vitifolium

There are some pretty incredible trees on this list, so let’s jump right in!

1. Autumn Moon

Obviously, I love all my Japanese maple children equally. But if there is one tree that I tend to show off just a bit more than the others, it’s A. shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon.’

‘Autumn Moon’

This upright tree stays fairly compact, topping out at about 12 feet, though it takes years to reach that point. But its size isn’t its most exceptional aspect.

The foliage is the real knockout feature.

In the spring, it’s yellow and orange before shifting to salmony-red during the summer. In the fall, it changes to vibrant orange and red.

And rather than having the familiar deeply lobed leaves that you’ll see on many Japanese maples, the leaves on this tree look like large palms with seven or nine stubby “fingers.”

It grows best in Zones 5 to 8, and needs full sun to really show its color.

‘Autumn Moon’

You can find two- to three-foot ‘Autumn Moon’ plants available from Fast Growing Trees.

2. Beni Kawa

A. palmatum ‘Beni Kawa’ isn’t just beautiful when it’s dressed up in its full summer foliage. It has bright coral-colored bark that makes a striking statement in the winter garden as well.

‘Beni Kawa.’ Photo via Alamy.

The leaves start out with a bright green color in the spring, gradually transitioning to golden yellow in the fall.

At under 10 feet tall and wide, it won’t crowd out the rest of the plants in your landscape. It also has a lovely arching growth habit.

‘Beni Kawa’

‘Beni Kawa’ thrives in warmer areas than some other cultivars, and it’s suited to Zones 5 to 9.

You can purchase a one-year-old plant from Japanese Maples and Evergreens via Amazon.

3. Butterfly

A. palmatum ‘Butterfly’ stands out because it has medium-green leaves with distinct silvery white margins.

And some leaves may be entirely green while others are entirely silvery white, giving the entire tree a lovely variegated appearance.

‘Butterfly’

That’s not all, though. In the spring, new growth is pink on the margins, while in the fall, the margins of the deeply lobed leaves turn bright magenta. It’s an impressive sight.

‘Butterfly’ needs partial sun and only grows in Zones 6 to 8. When mature, it reaches up to 12 feet tall and eight feet wide with an upright growth habit.

‘Butterfly’

You can find two- to three-foot ‘Butterfly’ plants available for purchase at Fast Growing Trees.

4. Coonara Pygmy

A. palmatum ‘Coonara Pygmy’ stays petite, only growing to about ten feet tall – about half the size of some larger Japanese maples – with an upright habit. It’s hardy in Zones 6 to 9.

‘Coonara Pygmy.’ Photo via Alamy.

The deeply lobed leaves are pink as they first emerge in the spring before turning bright green in the summer. In the fall, the foliage becomes bright red with small patches of yellow.

5. Coral Bark

A. palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’ is another Japanese maple with bright coral bark. Its name means “coral tower.” The color becomes more intense as the seasons become cooler.

‘Sango Kaku’

Hardy in Zones 5 to 8, the leaves on this tree are bright green with red margins in the summer, turning brilliant yellow in the fall.

Once mature, this striking tree stands with an upright habit at 20 to 25 feet tall.

‘Coral Bark’

‘Sango Kaku’ is ideal if you want something that not only adds color to the yard during the growing season, but also during the dormant winter months.

Sound good? Nature Hills Nursery carries this plant in #2 containers.

Read more about growing coral bark varieties here.

6. Crimson Queen

An incredibly popular tree, ‘Crimson Queen’ is a dwarf A. palmatum cultivar.

It’s wider than it is tall, eventually growing to about eight feet tall and 12 feet wide, with elegantly weeping branches. Its shape can add some interesting dimension to your garden.

‘Crimson Queen’

The foliage can appear to have a different hue depending on the amount of light it receives. In partial sun, the lacy leaves are maroon.

In spots that receive more light, the color is a brighter red. In the fall, the foliage becomes a dazzling crimson.

‘Crimson Queen’

‘Crimson Queen’ is hardy in Zones 5 to 9. To nab one for your yard, head to Nature Hills Nursery, where you can purchase a three-year-old plant.

7. Emperor One

This cultivar looks similar to the exceptionally popular ‘Bloodgood,’ but differs in that it only grows to about 15 feet tall with an upright growth habit. It’s hardy in Zones 5 to 8.

‘Emperor One’

This A. palmatum cultivar is one the hardiest maples out there, rarely suffering from pests and diseases.

The foliage is stunning, transitioning from deep maroon to bright red in the fall.

‘Emperor One’

Our friends at Nature Hills Nursery carry this beauty in #2 containers.

8. Green Cascade

A. japonicum ‘Green Cascade’ is an upright full moon maple that grows in Zones 5 to 7, and reaches about 20 feet tall and 25 feet wide.

‘Green Cascade.’ Photo by Kristine Lofgren.

With rounded and palmate foliage, somewhat resembling a fern, the deeply lobed and heavily serrated emerald green leaves turn bright red and yellow in the fall.

In the garden, the effect is extremely impressive. It’s almost like having a massive, shade-providing fern in your garden.

9. Higasayama

While Japanese maples tend to really shine in the fall when their foliage turns to a different hue, ‘Higasayama’ also puts on an elegant display in the spring.

The leaves bud out with a green base enveloped in a bright pink exterior.

‘Higasayama’

As the leaves open, they reveal a creamy pink display before turning deep green with creamy margins. This A. palmatum is happiest in Zones 5 to 8, with an upright, open growth habit that tops out at about 18 feet tall.

Japanese Maples and Evergreens via Amazon carries this spectacular tree as a two-year-old plant if you’re itching to add it to your space.

10. Hogyoku

Gardeners in Zones 5 to 9 can grow this elegant A. palmatum, also known as the “Golden Jewel of Fall.”

While ‘Hogyokou’ is beautiful all summer with its green, yellow, orange, and slightly red-tinged leaves, it’s the bright pumpkin orange color it displays in the fall that really stands out.

‘Hogyoku’

This upright tree is medium-sized when mature, at about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. This is a cultivar that does better in full sun than many others.

If you’re dying to get your hands on ‘Hogyoku’ – and I can’t blame you – head on over to Amazon.

11. Koto Ito Komachi

No guide to Japanese maples would be complete without the lovely, classic A. palmatum cultivar ‘Koto Ito Komachi.’

‘Koto Ito Komachi.’ Photo by Kristine Lofgren.

The leaves on this tree have five string-like lobes and are light green in the summer before turning bright orange in the fall.

It almost resembles a tiny weeping willow, and grows upright to just six feet tall and five feet wide when mature.

Hardy in Zones 6 to 9, you can grow it in Zone 5 if it’s in a protected spot.

12. Lion’s Mane

A. palmatum ‘Shishigashira,’ also known as ‘Lion’s Mane,’ doesn’t look like your average maple. The leaves grow packed close together and they’re a deep, glossy green with wrinkled margins.

‘Lion’s Mane’

At summer’s end and into fall, it gradually turns yellow and orange.

‘Lion’s Mane’ stays under six feet tall with an upright habit, and is hardy in Zones 6 to 9. The leaves may burn at the tips if grown in direct sun in hot climates.

13. Osakazuki

For fall color, it’s hard to beat ‘Osakazuki.’ This A. palmatum tree has intensely bright orange-scarlet leaves in the autumn that stay on the tree for several weeks.

‘Osakazuki’

In spring and summer, the leaves are bright green. Each leaf has seven lobes and serrated edges.

‘Osakazuki’ won the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Best suited to Zones 5 to 8, it grows up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide with an upright, rounded shape.

14. Red Dragon

Hardy in Zones 5 to 8, the popular ‘Red Dragon’ is compact with a tidy, weeping growth habit. This A. palmatum cultivar stays extremely small, just six to eight feet wide and tall when mature.

But what really makes ‘Red Dragon’ stand out is its stunning foliage color in the fall.

The summer hue is an extremely dark burgundy, changing to a luminescent red in autumn that practically glows from within.

‘Red Dragon’

Add some color to your yard by purchasing a two-year-old plant from Japanese Maples and Evergreens via Amazon.

15. Scolopendrifolium

If you want something a little different, get your hands on ‘Scolopendrifolium,’ also known as ‘Shinobuga Oka.’

The leaves on this A. palmatum tree have incredibly long, narrow lobes that are divided down to the base.

‘Scolopendrifolium’

In the summer, the leaves are bright green, while the stems, seed pods, and blossoms are all red. The overall effect is impressive.

This upright, spreading, 15-foot tree appears to be covered in delicate green straps with the red adding a striking contrast, and it grows well in Zones 5 to 9.

16. Seiryu

Every single other green lace-leaf maple that we know of has a weeping or cascading growing habit. ‘Seiryu’ is credited as being the only strong upright grower with green lacy leaves.

‘Seiryu.’ Photo by Kristine Lofgren.

It doesn’t grow terribly tall, staying under 15 feet, but it usually maxes out closer to 10 feet.

‘Seiryu’ is suited to Zones 5 to 9, and does best in part shade, since full sun can singe the leaves. The foliage is bright green in the spring and summer, turning golden yellow with red tips in the fall.

‘Seiryu’

Add this variety to your yard by purchasing a tree in a gallon-size container from New Life Nursery and Garden via Amazon.

17. Usugumo

If you want a maple that will really stand out, seek out A. pictum ‘Usugumo,’ a rare painted leaf batwing maple.

This leaf shape isn’t common and it looks nothing like the deeply-lobed foliage that most people are familiar with.

‘Usugumo.’ Photo by Kristine Lofgren.

In the spring, this stunner emerges with soft pink leaves that change to green in the summer.

From far away, the leaves look like they are a uniform soft, pale green, but up close, you can see that they are actually variegated.

Each leaf has a deep green base with green veins, and cream or pale yellow mottling. In the fall, the leaves turn pale yellow.

This upright tree does best in Zones 5 to 9 and is perfect for a small space or container. It never grows taller than about seven feet.

18. Velvet Viking

This gorgeous A. palmatum specimen may look delicate with its lovely lacey leaves, but it’s actually quite sturdy, and it is hardy in Zones 4 to 9.

A dwarf cultivar, ‘Velvet Viking’ has an elegant weeping form, spreading low and wide. At maturity, it reaches only three feet tall and five feet wide.

The purple-red foliage turns an intense, bright red in the fall.

19. Villa Taranto

This A. palmatum dwarf variety has red, green, and cream-colored variegated leaves, and has an upright vase-shaped growing habit.

The foliage is deeply lobed so that each leaf almost looks like it has five or more string-like fingers.

‘Villa Taranto’

It does well in Zones 5 to 8, and can be grown in full sun in cooler areas, or part shade in hotter spots.

If this maple is calling your name (and I totally understand), head on over to Amazon to grab a three-year-old live tree.

20. Viridis

If you want a lacy, green A. palmatum Japanese maple that you can grow in a container or a small area, ‘Viridis’ is an excellent choice.

‘Viridis’

It only grows to six feet tall and wide, but can easily be pruned to stay about four feet tall and three feet wide. Its growth habit is a gracefully mounding cascade.

The foliage is deeply lobed with heavily toothed margins in a marvelous deep shade of green that transitions to orange, yellow, and red in the autumn.

‘Viridis’

Pick up your own two-year-old live tree at Nature Hills Nursery.

21. Vitifolium

A. japonicum ‘Vitifolium’ has foliage that almost looks like grape leaves, which turn intensely gold and scarlet in the fall. In the spring, they are bronze as they emerge and open, at which point they begin to turn a vivid green.

‘Vitifolium’

Plus, it has beautiful burgundy flowers in the spring. Most maples aren’t noted for their blossoms, but this one is because of the way the blooms stand out against the bright green foliage.

‘Vitifolium’ won the RHS Award of Garden of Merit in 1993. It grows with an upright habit to 15 feet tall and wide, and is hardy in Zones 5 to 7.

‘Vitifolium’

Sold? You can’t go wrong with this beauty. Purchase a two-year-old live plant at Amazon.

There Are So Many Japanese Maples to Love

We weren’t kidding when we said there are a ton of different Japanese maples to choose from!

This really is an incredibly varied group of trees, and that’s part of their charm. But now, you hopefully have a better idea of which one is perfect for your space.

If so, I genuinely want to hear about which one you end up picking for your garden. Pictures, too, please! Reach out below in the comments.

And for more information about Japanese maple trees, check out the following guides next:

25 Popular Japanese Maple Varieties With Great Foliage

Weeping, Dwarf, and Full-Sized Maples for Your Landscape

By

David Beaulieu

David Beaulieu

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 10/10/22

Reviewed by

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Reviewed by Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Loren Probish

Japanese maple tree varieties are prized for their delicate and colorful foliage throughout the growing season and autumn. With over a thousand varieties, it is a smallish species, with mature heights of 4–30 feet, depending on the cultivar. Several dwarf varieties stay small and can be trained as bonsai, such as 'Geisha Gone Wild' and 'Coonara Pygmy.'

Although the tree blooms in spring, it's the palmate leaves with five-, seven-, or nine-toothed finger-like leaves that offer the real appeal. The foliage offers striking color throughout the growing season, becoming even more beautiful with the fall color change. ‘Sango Kaku’ is prized as one of the prettiest Japanese maple trees for its changing foliage but also bright coral bark, which gives this tree its striking contrast all year round.

The many different kinds of Japanese maples include Acer palmatum, Acer japonicum, and Acer pictum; they are all part of the Sapindaceae (soapberry) family. They are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5–8, though a few can brave zone 4 if planted in protected locations. Japanese maples should be planted in full to partial sun and in well-drained soil. In zones 7–8, they can benefit from planting in partial shade or dappled sunlight to protect the leaves from leaf scorch in the summer heat.

Many popular cultivars produce the familiar red foliage, such as one of the most popular Japanese trees, 'Bloodgood.' But others provide brilliant green or gold tones—and even bicolor leaves. While there are many ways to select a Japanese maple, leaf color is why most people plant this tree.

These 25 Japanese maples are all great options, offering foliage ranging from red and yellow to green also featuring different growth habits and tree heights.

How to Grow and Care for Japanese Maple Trees

What is remarkable about Japanese maple? Planting, care and propagation of plants

Maintenance

Leaves are perhaps the most underestimated feature of plants. But it is the leaves of the Japanese maple that are the keys to the successful design of your garden.

Japanese red maple

Japanese maple (Acer Japonicum) and Dlanical maple (Acer Palmatum) - highly suitable Listfoot trees and bushes (in culture) ROD from IPPOY and Korya. These two species, as well as a variety of the second - fan maple (Acer palmatum Dissectum) - create group Japanese maples . Miniature maple varieties grow well in Japan but can be easily grown in our climate. The most resistant is the green-leaved maple and its red-leaved varieties 'Atropurpureum' and 'Bloodgood'.

Japanese maples grow very slowly and usually reach several meters in height. In Japan, the largest tree at the age of 100 years, reaches 10 meters in height and 40 centimeters in trunk diameter. Usually Japanese maple and palmate maple grow up to 8 m, and fan maple - no more than 2-3 m in height.

When 200 years ago these plants began to be imported from Japan, which had been growing there for centuries, European botanists were stunned by their incredible diversity. Europeans originally christened them with a Latin name - Acer polymorphum . And from this group, perhaps, this Japanese maple was one of the first that was brought to our region. This type of maple has almost round leaves , most of them are up to 15 cm long and consist of 7-, 9-, 11-, 13 feather-like lobes. They are very similar to the human hand. Because of the shape of the leaves, this maple has another name - hauchiwa-Kaede . There are four main varieties Japanese maples: - a typical Japanese maple A. japonicum, in which the shares are connected almost together and the leaf seems to be solid. Other maples: A. japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’, A. japonicum ‘Dissectum’, A. japonicum ‘Vitifolium’.

Japanese maple looks very impressive during flowering in May. Its flowers are red or yellow-green, large, up to 15 mm in diameter. But the most impressive tree is in autumn, when Leaves take on an enchanting color. In direct sunlight, the leaves turn red and purple, shading into bright orange and red. They look stunning! Japanese Maple , Maple Katsura (Acer Palmatum 'Katsura', Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Katsura'), Maple Butterfly (Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’, Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Butterfly’).

A brief description of the most popular varieties:

Japanese Maple Senkaki is an attractive and compact tree, a popular variety that is sure to be appreciated by lovers of Japanese maples. Tree height - up to two meters, suitable for growing in large pots and containers. Leaves lobed, usually with five lobes, turning bright orange in autumn.

Japanese Maple Senkaki (photo):

Maple Garnet - incredibly beautiful maple, you can look at it endlessly, especially in the autumn season. Average height maple is four meters. The main highlight is the unusual spreading crown, as well as the color of the leaves in the autumn months, they turn carmine red.

Maple Garnet (photo):

Japanese maple planting and care

Every gardener will be able to grow a very beautiful Japanese maple. You only need to choose the right place to plant, and also spend a little time caring for it.

Landing. Be sure to select the correct landing site. The ideal place for them would be sunny or partially shaded, protected from the winds. They tolerate some shade but are prettier when grown in full sun. Yes, those trees are do not like transplants. Once you have planted Japanese maples, they should not be repotted because it is very easy to damage their delicate roots.

Japanese maples frost resistant. Concerning soil requirements , they should not be planted in wet soils. Japanese maples are sensitive plants. The soil must contain a high proportion of humus and have slightly acid reaction . If the soil is sandy, then it needs to be enriched with fertile garden soil. Due to the fact that the roots of these plants grow close to the ground, it is necessary to level the place where they are planted well. Thus, you will be able to create thermal insulation layer , which will perform its protective function both in winter and in summer. It is also necessary to cover young maple seedlings in winter as these plants may suffer from frost. Also, in early spring, shelter will contribute to a not too fast development of their kidneys.

Japanese Maple ideal for planting in containers . And all thanks to his compact growth . But for the winter, plants in tubs should be moved to a frost-free room. It grows slowly and is also very picturesque. Besides being easy to grow, Japanese Maple will provide you with a lot of joy in summer and autumn with its beautiful leaves that change color with the onset of cold weather. Expect fireworks of fiery red, brown, yellow and orange leaves.

Care. After planting the young maple must be fed . The first top dressing is a month after planting, then they are fed once every four weeks. Suitable compound fertilizer and compost. After the winter period, be sure to remove frozen branches. Gardeners do not recommend cutting tree crowns, because Japanese maple pleases exactly with its natural beauty. Also, don't forget Mulch the soil before the start of the winter season. In hot weather be sure to watch the soil, maple does not like dry soil . Sometimes the leaves of the plant are also sprayed, do it in hot weather. Maple pest - gall mite . Watch the leaves carefully, if you see something suspicious, it is better to remove the leaf immediately .

Japanese maple seeds

Many varieties of maple seeds fall in autumn, but there are varieties whose seeds can be collected in summer. The seeds are medium in size, most often brown in color, they are often called “helicopters” by the people, because they very slowly fall to the ground, and at the same time rotate. There are some difficulties when growing maple from seeds. It all depends on the chosen variety. It is easiest to grow maples, in which the seeds fall in spring or summer.

After you collected seeds , they need to be placed in the cold. It is best to put the seeds in an airtight bag beforehand (zippered lunch bags are suitable). The collected seeds are placed in the refrigerator. Each variety has its own temperature , the best option is 3-5 degrees Celsius. check the seed bag constantly to make sure there is no condensation or excess moisture on it. Seeds are taken out after 120 days. Seeds of some varieties can be planted after 90 cold days. Germinated seeds can only be planted in small containers when a second layer of leaves has appeared on a small sprout. Now you can plant the tree in the ground.

Japanese fan maple

Fan maple is a marvelous decoration of every garden or park. It is an excellent compact tree that impresses with the beauty of its leaves. Fan maple is one of the varieties of Japanese maple, because the historical Homeland trees - Japan, and also grows naturally in China and Korea. The tree is very compact, height is about eight meters. Crown very unusual, dense, spherical. Sometimes it has several trunks. The leaves of the fan maple are very beautiful and large, the average length is 12 centimeters and the width is four centimeters. The leaf is divided into lobes. Blooms mainly in spring, small flowers in inflorescences, appear later Lionfish.

Garden use. Japanese Maple will look very good in a private garden as well as in city parks. Its interesting and very bright leaves attract attention. You can make it the main accent on your territory, because in autumn it is very difficult not to notice this tree. Japanese maple is very effectively combined with large stones or boulders, and even with small pebbles, which can be scattered near the tree root. The canopy provides shade so you can plant near the tree ferns or other shade-tolerant plants. Landscape designers with good taste will be able to create very unusual compositions using maple and coniferous plants , as well as combining maples and flowering shrubs . The main thing is not to overshadow this beautiful tree!

Japanese maple photo

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Published: 27.10.2021

Tags: palmate maple Japanese maple Japanese maples

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10 types of Japanese maple | Horticulture

Acer palmatum 'Ornatum'

El Japanese maple has a unique quality: is able to surprise anyone at any time of the year . It becomes beautiful in spring when its leaves sprout, covering its branches with paint; in summer it explodes with life, becoming as beautiful as possible; In autumn it is a real spectacle, putting on an autumn dress, and in winter we can contemplate its trunk and its extended branches. This is one of the most successful plants, not only for its beauty, but also for its ease of cultivation and care.

It is not surprising that new varieties appear from time to time, causing more than one and more than two to want to purchase them, although we know that the climate in which we live is not the most suitable. By the way, Do you know how many species of Japanese maple exist? I'll tell you: many. There are more than a thousand varieties alone. . You can see ten of them below.

Index

  • 1 Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'
  • 2 Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'
  • 3 Acer Palmatum 'Beni Maiko', Aser Palmatum 'Beni Mayko'
  • 4 Azer Palmatum 'Blutgud'
  • 5 Palm fiber 'Deshojo'
  • 6 Azer Palmatum 'Osakazuki'
  • Acer Palmatum 'senkaki' 8 Acer palmatum var. Dissectum 'Seiryu'
  • 9 Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'
  • 10 Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium'

palmate maple

Copy of my collection.
Leaf detail.

This is the type species which is named, that is, which botanists look at when they discover that they suspect there may be another variety. It is known as Japanese webbed maple, Japanese maple, or polymorph maple and is native to Japan, Korea, and China.

It is characterized by the presence of 5-9-lobed membranous leaves that turn red in autumn . The tree reaches a height of 6 to 10 meters.

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'

Copy of my collection.
Acer palmatum var. Atropurpureum, from my collection.
Acer palmatum var. Atropurpureum

This strain is one of my favorites. Known as Japanese Red Maple or Red Webbed Maple, it has the same characteristics as palmate maple normal, but with one important difference: its leaves are purple almost all year round . In the summer you will see that they become more greenish, but not pure green, but reddish green.

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Acer palmatum 'Beni Maiko'

Copy of my collection.
Leaf detail.
Image - Nurseryguide.com

'Beni Maiko' is a variety that I have loved since I discovered it. It's incredible. Appears as a red maple ( Acer rubrum ) in adulthood but a brighter red . Being grafted, we can be sure that its height will not exceed 5 meters. The leaves are very reminiscent of Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum', Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' , although they are slightly smaller, at least when young.

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Image - Heritageseedlings.com

'Bloodgood' is a gem variety, not the next one. It is very similar to 'Atropurpureum', but grows to a shorter height (about 4-5 meters), and its leaves become more intense purplish red . In summer it is still red. In addition, it is somewhat better adapted to places with a warm Mediterranean climate, with mild autumns and winters with very weak frosts.

Palm fiber 'Deshojo'

Copy of my collection.
Leaf detail.
Image - Boskoops. nl

"Deshojo" is a variety of Japanese maple that reaches a height of 6-7 meters and has a fairly high growth rate (about 20 cm per year under good conditions). Same as him palmate maple Normal Leaves are green most of the year but turn red in autumn .

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

'Osakazuki' is a tree reaching 7-8 meters in height which has membranous leaves that turn red in autumn . Like "Seiryu", he is able to withstand a couple of hours of direct sunlight even if he lives in an area where summer temperatures exceed 30ºC.

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'
Image - Plantes-et-nature.fr

"Senkaki" or "Sango Kaku" is one of the most decorative Japanese maples. Its branches have an intense red color, which is why it is known in English as the Coral Bark Maple, which in Spanish would be something like a coral maple.

Reaches a height of 4-5 meters, has green membranous leaves that turn yellow in autumn .

Acer palmatum var. Dissectum 'Seiryu'

Copy of my collection.
Acer palmatum var. excum 'Seiryu' from my collection.
Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' Image - Nurseryguide.com

Seiriu is one of the favorite varieties of those who live in mild climates. Cause? Withstands several hours in direct sunlight (if it's in the early morning or afternoon) and this plant can turn a patio into an incredible garden as this tree reaches 5 meters in height and its branches reach 2 meters in length. Unlike the Japanese maples we have seen so far, the leaves are membranous but much more divided.

In spring and summer they are very bright green, but in autumn they turn a deep red Really beautiful.

Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'

Copy of my collection.

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