How to Grow and Care for Japanese maple

Japanese maple, also known as Red emperor maple, Palmate maple, Smooth japanese maple, Bloodgood maple, Cutleaf maple, Threadleaf maple

Japanese maple is a delicate ornamental tree that requires thoughtful attention to thrive. Special care points include providing protection from harsh winds and direct afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Additionally, japanese maple benefits from regular watering that keeps the soil moist but well-drained, as overwatering or drought can lead to stress. Adequate mulching is also vital to maintain soil moisture and temperature. The difficulty level is considered difficult, mainly because of its sensitivity to environmental conditions.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Japanese maple

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Hard
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil pH	5.5-6.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	3-10

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Varieties of Japanese maple

Japanese maple 'Butterfly'

Japanese maple 'Butterfly' adds a striking focal point to the garden with its delicate variegated leaves that shine in the sun. A popular ornamental tree with economic value in the timber industry, this plant is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Japanese maple 'Red Pygmy'

The japanese maple 'Red Pygmy' is a captivating dwarf Japanese maple, boasting delicate, deeply cut wine-red leaves that create an elegant lace-like pattern. This cultivar thrives in dappled sunlight, casting a warm aura as sunlight filters through its foliage. As seasons change, its leaves offer a vivid display, transitioning from spring's rich red to autumn's fiery crimson. With a compact, upright growth habit, japanese maple 'Red Pygmy' is an alluring choice for small gardens or containers, infusing any space with a touch of oriental tranquility.

Japanese maple 'Inaba'

An upright Japanese maple cultivar, japanese maple 'Inaba' has a beautiful cascading form. The leaves are more intricate than those of other varieties and stay a deep purple red color throughout the year. Unlike other varieties, the foliage does not bronze out in late season. This Japanese maple does well in sun and humidity, making it a popular planting in these conditions.

Japanese maple 'Skeeter's Broom'

Japanese maple 'Skeeter's Broom' is bred from the Japanese maple tree and its cultivar name honors the nursery worker who discovered it, Edward Skeeter Rodd of Pennsylvania. It is a miniature shrub popular for its pretty foliage, ability to fit into narrow garden spaces (it grows taller than it does wide), and its greater resistance to cold weather than other varieties.

Japanese maple 'Atrolineare'

The cultivar name of japanese maple 'Atrolineare', 'Atrolineare', is Latin for 'cascade' and refers to the cascades of long ribbon-like red leaves that hang from this beautiful feature tree. Where the parent tree, the Japanese maple, typically grows to 12 m, japanese maple 'Atrolineare' is just 3.5 m tall but offers several seasons of garden interest, making it an especially popular cultivar.

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More General Info About Japanese maple

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Japanese maple typically reaches up to 25 feet (approx. 7.5 meters) in height and is distinguishable by its serrated, palmate leaves that possess five to nine lobes. The foliage exhibits a vibrant spectrum of concolorous tones, ranging from green to a striking red. Its slender twigs, varying in hues from green to red, may exhibit a light glaucous bloom. The small, green buds of japanese maple are subtly ensconced at the base of the petiole, with the terminal bud often appearing doubled.