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Add Drama in Your Garden With Terrific Japanese Maples

Acer palmatum

Acer, Acer palmatum, acer palmatum dissectum, Japanese Maple, Winter bark, Spring foliage, spring color, Fall color, Fall Foliage, Drama Trees

Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) include a rich variety of deciduous shrubs or small trees with graceful habits, elegantly cut leaves, and extraordinarily colorful foliage, particularly in fall when the leaves turn dazzling shades of golden-yellow, red-purple and bronze, before shedding to the ground.

While all of them are beautiful and provide a fabulous architectural presence, in the garden or in containers, some feature particularly outstanding features such as dramatic foliage, long-lasting striking leaf color, unusual leaf shape, or striking winter bark. The eye can never pass lightly over the dazzling color presented by their flaming foliage across seasons or the graceful outlines of their brilliant coral twigs and branches.

Here is a list of Japanese Maples with spectacular features that will help you create wonderful scenes and let you enjoy their unrivaled beauty season after season.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Genus Acer
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height
Spread
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Great Japanese Maples to Add Drama in the Garden

Acer palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime', Coral Bark Maple, Japanese Maple 'Aka Kawa Hime', Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Peeling Bark, Red Bark

Acer palmatum ‘Aka Kawa Hime’ (Coral Bark Maple)

A desirable Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Aka Kawa Hime’, is smaller than ‘Sango kaku’. It has delicate foliage, turning yellow-green in spring, green in summer, and gold, yellow, and red in fall. The tree’s coral-red bark adds a splash of color in winter. It’s great for small gardens and containers.

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Hardiness 5 - 9
Height 7' - 9'
(210cm - 270cm)
Spread 5' - 6'
(150cm - 180cm)
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Acer palmatum 'Beni-Kawa', Coral Bark Maple, Japanese Maple 'Beni-Kawa', Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Peeling Bark, Red Bark

Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Kawa’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Beni-Kawa’, similar to ‘Sango kaku’, stands out with its salmon-red bark and vibrant fall foliage. The tree has slender, tipped lobed leaves that emerge green in spring, sometimes with red edges. They turn golden-yellow in fall, revealing the bright salmon-red bark. This slow-growing maple tree has an upright vase-shaped habit and is a stunning four-season tree.

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Hardiness 5 - 9
Height 5' - 15'
(150cm - 4.6m)
Spread 5' - 15'
(150cm - 4.6m)
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Acer palmatum 'Butterfly', Japanese Maple Butterfly, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Variegated Japanese Maple, Variegated Acer, Variegated leaves, Variegate Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’ (Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly’ is an upright deciduous shrub or small tree with pretty variegated foliage of 5-7 lobed green leaves, irregularly margined with silvery-white and light touches of pink on the edges in spring. Some leaves may have no markings while others may be solid cream. Sometimes gracefully twisted, the pale portion of the leaves turns scarlet to magenta in the fall, before shedding to the ground. Slow-growing, this Japanese Maple features an elegant vase-shaped habit and is ideal for containers or small gardens.

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Hardiness 5 - 8
Height 7' - 12'
(210cm - 3.7m)
Spread 4' - 8'
(120cm - 240cm)
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Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen', Japanese Maple 'Crimson Queen', Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Crimson Queen', Laceleaf Japanese Maple 'Crimson Queen', Cutleaf Japanese Maple 'Crimson Queen', Threadleaf Japanese Maple 'Crimson Queen', Tree with fall color, Fall colorAGM Award

Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’ (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)

Noted for its persistent leaf color throughout the entire growing season, award-winning Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’ is a medium-sized deciduous shrub of outstanding interest. Unlike most Laceleaf Japanese Maples with rich red color in spring or early summer, turning green or bronze afterward, ‘Crimson Queen’ keeps its stunning rich red coloration from spring to summer. The eye-catching foliage is very finely dissected into medium to large, 7-9 lobed leaves. It turns very bright scarlet in the fall before shedding to the ground. More sun tolerant than most, this cultivar can be exposed to full sun with practically no sunburn. Strong-growing, this Japanese Maple features a lovely cascading habit and has become a favorite for many gardeners.

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Hardiness 5 - 9
Height 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spread 10' - 12'
(3m - 3.7m)
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Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Atropurpureum', Japanese Maple Dissectum Atropurpureum, Japanese Maple 'Dissectum Atropurpureum', Laceleaf Japanese Maple, Cutleaf Japanese Maple, Threadleaf Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum var. dissectum Dissectum Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, purple leaves, Purple Acer, Purple Japanese Maple, Purple Maple,

Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ is a reliable and visually striking Japanese Maple. Its slow-growing, deciduous nature reveals an elegant, broad, arching habit and contorted branches. The ferny, lace-like leaves with long, thin lobes emerge in deep purple, transitioning to bronze-green in late summer and finally flaming orange-red in fall. This hardy variety adds a captivating color contrast as a focal point or against a lush green backdrop.

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Hardiness 5 - 8
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
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Acer palmatum 'Eddisbury', Coral Bark Maple Eddisbury, Japanese Maple 'Eddisbury', Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Red BarkAGM Award

Acer palmatum ‘Eddisbury’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Eddisbury’, the Coral-Bark Maple, showcases showy scarlet bark and captivating fall colors. Its delicate leaves transition from bronze-green to fresh green, then golden-yellow and crimson. The vibrant red bark adds winter interest. With an upright habit, it’s a stunning four-season tree beloved by gardeners.

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Hardiness 5 - 8
Height 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
Spread 6' - 10'
(180cm - 3m)
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Acer palmatum 'Sango-Kaku', Coral Bark Maple, Japanese Maple 'Sango-Kaku', Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Sango-Kaku', Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Peeling BarkAGM Award

Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Admired for its stunning coral bark and autumnal foliage, award-winning Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ (Coral-Bark Maple) is a sought-after deciduous shrub or small tree. Its delicate leaves open in pinkish-yellow, turn light green in summer, and change to soft yellow in fall. The exposed coral-red bark adds vibrant color to the winter landscape. Slow-growing with an upright form, it is a captivating choice for year-round appeal.

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Hardiness 5 - 8
Height 20' - 25'
(6.1m - 7.6m)
Spread 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
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Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg', Japanese Maple Trompenburg, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, purple leaves, Purple Acer, Purple Japanese Maple, Purple MapleAGM Award

Acer palmatum ‘Trompenburg’ (Japanese Maple)

Adding drama to the garden wherever grown, award-winning Acer palmatum ‘Trompenburg’ is a deciduous shrub or small tree of outstanding interest. Its unusual foliage of 7-9 pointed, sharply-serrated, lobed leaves resembles an open hand with outstretched fingers. Emerging rich and deep reddish purple in spring, the leaves hold their extraordinary color until late summer and turn vibrant crimson-red in fall before shedding to the ground. More sun tolerant than most, this cultivar can be exposed to full sun with practically no sunburn. A favorite for landscaping, ‘Trompenburg’ features an upright habit and makes a striking focal point.

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Hardiness 5 - 8
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 10' - 15'
(3m - 4.6m)
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Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo', Japanese Maple Ukigumo, Floating Clouds Japanese Maple, Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Variegated Japanese Maple, Variegated Acer, Variegated leaves, Variegated Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Ukigumo’ (Japanese Maple)

A fascinating Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Ukigumo’ or ‘Floating Clouds’ is a deciduous shrub or small tree with the most outstanding variegated foliage. Emerging pale green in spring with white spots and soft pink shades on the edges, the medium-sized leaves are very deeply divided and radiate openly. Some leaves may have no markings while others may be solid white or pink. Later in the season, the pink fades away. Sometimes gracefully twisted and undulated, the elegant foliage turns yellow-orange in fall, before shedding to the ground. Slow-growing, this Japanese Maple features a compact, upright habit with short horizontal twigs forming a semi-dense plant and creating an interesting appearance during the dormant season. It is ideal for containers or small gardens.

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Hardiness 6 - 9
Height 7' - 12'
(210cm - 3.7m)
Spread 4' - 8'
(120cm - 240cm)
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Acer palmatum 'Winter Flame', Coral Bark Maple, Japanese Maple 'Winter Flame', Tree with fall color, Fall color, Attractive bark Tree, Peeling Bark

Acer palmatum ‘Winter Flame’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Winter Flame’ is a coveted Japanese Maple with showy coral bark and captivating fall foliage. Its delicate 5-lobed leaves open lime green, turn mid-green, and transition to golden-yellow, orange, and red in autumn. The bright coral-red bark adds a vibrant touch to the winter landscape. A stunning choice for all gardeners.

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Hardiness 5 - 8
Height 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
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jpldesigns / 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Genus Acer
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height
Spread
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Acer (Maple)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Acer (Maple)
Guides with
Acer (Maple)

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