Great Japanese Maples for Containers
Acer palmatum
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Acer palmatum is a species to which most Japanese Maples belong. It includes a rich variety of deciduous shrubs or small trees with graceful habits, elegantly cut leaves and extraordinarily colorful foliage, particularly in the fall when the leaves turn dazzling shades of golden-yellow, red-purple, and bronze, before shedding to the ground.
- Easy to grow, Japanese Maples are cold-hardy, remarkably adaptable to soil and climatic conditions, require little maintenance and are worthy of featured positions such as lawn specimens or near patios where their spectacular leaf color changes throughout the year can be admired.
- There are countless dwarf Japanese Maple varieties that are perfectly suited to container planting. Since many Japanese Maples are slow growers, medium-sized varieties could also be considered for container planting, provided you are aware that they will outgrow their pots after a few years and will need to move to the garden.
When it comes to selecting the right Japanese Maple, the task may become daunting as there are many varieties to choose from. Below is a selection of the best or most distinctive Japanese Maples that could become the highlight of your containers. Many have been acknowledged by the Royal Horticultural Society as plants of outstanding excellence for garden decoration through its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Great Japanese Maples for Containers
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' (Full Moon Maple)
Incredibly popular, award-winning Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium' (Full Moon Maple) is a large bushy deciduous shrub or small tree with attractive foliage and stunning fall color. Emerging bright green in spring, the palmate, almost fern-like leaves are deeply cut into 7-11 lobes. One of the most desirable features of this cultivar is its intense fall coloration when the leaves develop brilliant scarlet and carmine tones tinged with purple. Since they persist for a long time on the plant, they provide a long-lasting fall display. Small red flowers appear in spring before the leaves and give way to samaras which ripen in late summer to early fall, adding attractiveness to the display. This Full Moon Maple features an upright, compact habit and forms a densely branched, bold, and beautiful tree, one of the best small trees you can grow.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime' (Coral Bark Maple)
Similar but much smaller than the highly popular 'Sango kaku', Acer palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime' is also a very desirable Japanese Maple. This deciduous shrub or small tree features delicate foliage of 5 lobed leaves which emerge fresh yellow-green in spring, mature to mid-green in summer, and turn attractive shades of gold, yellow and red in fall before they shed to the ground. As they fall, they expose the bright, coral-red bark on young twigs and branches, adding a much-needed splash of color to the winter landscape. In spring, the small, reddish flowers are pretty, but not showy. They give way to samaras that ripen in late summer to fall. Slow-growing, this maple tree features an upright vase-shaped habit and makes an outstanding four-season tree. It is a perfect choice for small gardens and containers. 'Aka Kawa Hime' means 'Small Red Bark'.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Atrolineare' (Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple)
Noted for its graceful foliage, Acer palmatum 'Atrolineare' (Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple) is a remarkable small tree of dense, upright habit. In spring, its delicate foliage of ribbon-like leaves emerges dark red, before bronzing out with green undertones as the season progresses. In the fall, the finely-textured foliage turns dazzling red and orange shades and stands out beautifully in the landscape. Compact, this elegant Japanese Maple is perfect as a specimen in the garden, containers, or bonsai.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Beni-Maiko' (Japanese Maple)
Award-winning Acer palmatum 'Beni Maiko' is a compact deciduous shrub with striking foliage. Emerging brilliant red in spring, the three or five-pointed, lobed leaves fade to pinkish-red with green undertones in summer. As the season progresses, they become green-red with the main veins holding their red shade. In the fall, the leaves turn vibrant orange and fiery red before falling. 'Beni Maiko' means 'Red Haired Dancing Girl' in Japan, where it is considered more brilliant than most maples.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Beni-Tsukasa' (Japanese Maple)
Noted for its remarkable leaf color, award-winning Acer palmatum 'Beni-Tsukasa' is a small deciduous shrub with changing foliage, season after season. Emerging bright peachy-yellow in spring, the delicate foliage of palmate, 5-7 slender tipped lobed leaves gradually changes to pink and red with some greenish undertones. In early summer, the leaves mature to green with light variegations before turning brilliant red in fall. Slow-growing, this willowy Japanese Maple features an upright, rounded habit and is ideal for small gardens or containers.
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My CollectionAcer 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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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Chitose-Yama' (Japanese Maple)
Award-winning Acer palmatum 'Chitose-Yama' is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with striking foliage. Emerging rich purple red in spring, the seven-pointed, lobed leaves mature to bronze-green in summer. In the fall, the leaves turn bright crimson before shedding to the ground. This Japanese Maple features a compact, mounding habit and is adequate for containers.
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My CollectionAcer 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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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Crippsii' (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum 'Crippsii' is a compact deciduous shrub or small tree with pretty foliage of five-pointed, lobed, deep emerald green leaves in summer, turning vibrant orange in the fall before shedding to the ground. Slow-growing, this dwarf Japanese Maple features a vase-shaped habit and is ideal for containers or small gardens.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Deshojo' (Japanese Maple)
Quite desirable, Acer palmatum 'Deshojo' is a deciduous shrub or small tree, primarily grown for its striking spring foliage color. Emerging bright carmine-red in spring, the small, slender-pointed, lobed leaves gradually fade to green, often with reddish bronze edges, in summer. In the fall, the delicate foliage turns brilliant scarlet, before shedding to the ground. Small, pretty reddish flowers appear in spring, but they are not showy. They may give way to samaras that ripen in late summer to fall. 'Deshojo' features an upright, rounded habit and is an outstanding ornamental Japanese maple for small gardens and bonsai.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Emerald Lace' (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)
Award-winning Acer palmatum 'Emerald Lace' is a fast-growing, deciduous small tree with a deep emerald green, lacy foliage of great beauty. The small, deeply cut, dissected leaves emerge lime-green in spring, mature to deep emerald green as the season progresses, before turning spectacular bright burgundy-red in the fall. Vigorous, this semi-upright Japanese maple forms a spreading bush adorned with long, pendulous branches. Standing out in the landscape, it makes a terrific specimen plant, is perfect for the shrub border and its compact habit makes it suitable for containers.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Garnet' (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)
Noted for its outstanding color and vigor, award-winning Acer palmatum 'Garnet' is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with large, deeply cut, dissected leaves of great beauty. In spring, it produces small purple flowers which give way to red fruits. While attractive close up, the flowers are however not particularly showy from a distance. The delicate spring foliage of seven lobed leaves emerges red-orange, just like the gemstone garnet, and holds its color into summer before turning red in fall. Vigorous, this upright maple tree features a pendulous, spreading habit and forms a wonderful, cascading, mound-shaped shrub that stands out in the landscape.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Geisha Gone Wild' (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum 'Geisha Gone Wild' is a small, upright, deciduous tree with pretty variegated foliage of 5-7 lobed green leaves, irregularly margined with pink and cream along the edges of the greenish pale purple leaves. Sometimes gracefully twisted, the pale portion of the leaves turns purple-orange in the fall, before shedding to the ground. Slow-growing, this graceful Japanese Maple is ideal for containers or small gardens.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Katsura' (Japanese Maple)
Award-winning Acer palmatum 'Katsura' is a lovely deciduous shrub with a striking foliage, season after season. Emerging golden-orange with pink edges in early spring, the delicate foliage of small 5 to 7 lobed leaves matures to bright green in summer before turning brilliant shades of orange and yellow in fall. ‘Katsura' is a dense, compact Japanese Maple with a graceful vase-shaped habit that stands out boldly in the landscape. It is perfect for small gardens or containers.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Orange Dream' (Japanese Maple)
Award-winning Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with a striking foliage, season after season. Emerging golden-yellow with pink edges in early spring, the delicate foliage of lobed leaves matures to chartreuse in summer before turning brilliant orange-yellow in fall. As the leaves fall, they expose the graceful outlines of the bright green bark and twigs, adding interest to the winter landscape. Compact and upright growing, this eye-catching Japanese Maple is great for small gardens or containers.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Orangeola' (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)
Regarded as one of the most spectacular cascading Laceleaf Japanese Maples, award-winning Acer palmatum 'Orangeola' is also one of the most admired for its remarkable leaf color. This deciduous shrub or small tree features large, bright orange-red leaves in spring, adding sparkles to the garden. The deeply divided foliage matures to rich red-green with attractive orange undertones in summer. This coloration is enhanced by a second flush of new orange leaves in midsummer, which lay over the older foliage to create two-tone summer color. In the fall, the leaves again turn fiery red and orange, keeping their colorful display later than most, before shedding to the ground. Although vigorous, this Japanese Maple is not as wide spreading as other forms of Laceleaf Maples, making it an excellent selection for containers.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Red Dragon' (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)
Noted for keeping its rich purple-red foliage color better than any other Laceleaf Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum 'Red Dragon' is a compact, slow-growing deciduous shrub with elegant dissected leaves reminiscent of the claws of a dragon. Emerging bright scarlet red in spring, the delicate foliage of ferny, lace-like leaves matures to dark burgundy in summer before finally changing to a spectacular crimson-red in fall. Well-branched, this Japanese Maple features an upright-pendulous habit and forms an elegant cascading mound. It is perfect for small gardens or containers. 'Red Dragon' prefers full sun and tolerates frost, but needs protection from cold winds and summer drought.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Seiryu' (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)
Noted for its unusual upright habit within the Laceleaf Japanese Maples, award-winning Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with small, deeply cut, dissected leaves of great beauty. The delicate spring foliage emerges lime-green with reddish tips, and matures to pale green with reddish edges in summer, before turning spectacular gold, pale yellow, and a suffusion of orange and crimson in fall. Strong but not overly vigorous, this upright maple tree features a broadly columnar habit and stands out in the landscape. 'Seiryu' means 'Blue-Green Dragon'.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Shaina' (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact deciduous shrub or small tree with pretty foliage of five-pointed, narrow lobed, bright red leaves in spring, deepening to dark maroon-red in summer, and brightening again to brilliant crimson-red in fall. Borne in clusters at the end of the short shoots, the leaves keep their rich color well throughout the summer and early fall. Slow-growing, this dense Japanese Maple features an upright, globe-shaped habit and is ideal for containers or small gardens.
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My CollectionAcer 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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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Wilson's Pink Dwarf' (Japanese Maple)
Noted for its miniature size and striking leaf color, Acer palmatum 'Wilson's Pink Dwarf' is a particularly charming Japanese Maple. Emerging salmon pink to bright orange in spring, the delicate foliage of small 5-lobed pointed leaves gradually mature lime green in summer before changing again to delightful shades of salmon, pinky-orange, and carmine red in fall. This dwarf Japanese Maple features a dense, vase-shaped, bushy habit and is perfect for small gardens and containers.
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My CollectionAcer palmatum 'Winter Flame' (Coral Bark Maple)
Smaller but as desirable as the highly popular 'Sango kaku', Acer palmatum 'Winter Flame' is noted for its showy coral bark and fall color. This medium-sized deciduous tree features delicate 5-lobed leaves that open lime green in spring, mature to mid-green in summer, and turn golden-yellow, orange, and red in fall before they shed to the ground. As they fall, they expose the bright, coral-red bark on young twigs and branches, adding a much-needed splash of color to the winter landscape. In spring, the small, reddish flowers are pretty, but not showy. They give way to samaras that ripen in late summer to fall. Slow-growing, this maple tree features a broad rounded canopy and makes an outstanding four-season tree that is enjoyed by all gardeners as it graces the landscape.
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My CollectionAcer shirasawanum 'Aureum' (Golden Full Moon Maple)
Highly prized, award-winning Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum' (Golden Full Moon Maple) is a bushy, medium-sized deciduous shrub or small tree noted for its spectacular foliage. Emerging intensely bright yellow in spring, the rounded, palmate leaves, adorned with 7-9 sharply pointed lobes, gradually turn pale chartreuse as the season progresses. In fall, they turn magnificent shades of orange, and red, occasionally blended with purple tones. Small crimson flowers, borne in upright clusters, appear in spring and give way to bright red samaras which contrast nicely with the foliage, adding ornamental interest to the display. Slow-growing, this popular maple cultivar is perfect for small gardens or containers where its attractive branching framework can be admired. Regarded as one of the best yellow-leaved Japanese maples.
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My CollectionAcer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' (Full Moon Maple)
Vigorous and easy to grow, Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' (Full Moon Maple) is a bushy tree or large shrub of upright habit noted for its beautiful summer and fall foliage. Emerging clear yellow or chartreuse in spring, the rounded, palmate leaves, adorned with 9-11 lobes, are tinged with an unusual burnt-orange color. These colors are strongest in full sun or very light shade. In the fall, they turn rich shades of orange and red. Small cream and pink flowers, borne in upright clusters, appear in spring and give way to samaras which contrast nicely with the foliage, adding ornamental interest to the display. Slow-growing, this unique maple cultivar is perfect for small gardens or containers.
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My CollectionAcer shirasawanum 'Jordan' (Full Moon Maple)
Acer shirasawanum 'Jordan' (Full Moon Maple) is a vigorous small tree of upright habit, noted for its outstanding yellow-leaved foliage. Emerging bright yellow with rose-orange edges in spring, the rounded, palmate leaves, adorned with 9-11 lobes, change to stunning bright yellow through the summer. These colors are strongest in full sun or very light shade. In the fall, they turn brilliant shades of orange and red. The gray bark of the trunk and branches contrasts nicely with the foliage. Slow-growing, this luminous maple cultivar is suitable for most garden settings and is perfect for small gardens or containers.
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My CollectionAcer shirasawanum 'Moonrise' (Full Moon Maple)
Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise' (Full Moon Maple) is a compact, upright shrub noted for its spectacular seasonal color and its resistance to disease and leaf burn. Emerging bright red in spring, the palmate leaves, adorned with sharply-toothed lobes, turn lime-green as the season progress, before changing to brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall. Throughout the summer, the contrast between the bright red new growth and the fully opened, fresh chartreuse foliage is absolutely striking. Very decorative, this unique maple cultivar is perfect for small gardens or containers.
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My CollectionJapanese Maples - Container tips
- Most Japanese Maples are hardy to zone 5. However, when grown in a container, they are more sensitive to cold. If growing your Japanese Maple in zone 5, make sure you protect them in winter. The roots of maples in pots are vulnerable to frost over winter, so wrap your container with a sheet of bubble wrap, held in place with garden twine.
- Select a site that is sheltered from cold winds, where your Japanese Maple can enjoy morning or late afternoon sun. Usually the best leaf color is obtained in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. The green varieties of Japanese Maples take full sun very well, though they may slightly sunburn in particularly hot situations. Variegated cultivars prefer partial shade and need protection from the blistering afternoon sun. The red varieties need significant sunlight to color well while yellows require more shade.
- Plant your Japanese Maple in a loam-based compost, which enables good drainage and has a high level of organic matter. Keep the compost evenly moist, but not soaking wet.
- Minimum fertilization is required to keep a nice leaf coloration. Feed in spring and early summer with a slow-release fertilizer or liquid feed.
- Your Maple will need repotting into a slightly bigger container every couple of years. Mid spring or late summer are perfect months to do this.
- Japanese Maples need little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Remove badly-placed or crossing shoots to encourage a lovely branch pattern. If you need to reduce height and width, follow long branches back to a side branch and pruning it out at this point.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
5 - 9
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
2 - 8
|
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 |
Plant Family | Acer - Maples |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio and Containers |
antoninavincent / 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
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
2 - 8
|
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 |
Plant Family | Acer - Maples |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Rabbit |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio and Containers |
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