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Great Japanese Maples with Stunning Spring Color

Acer palmatum

Acer, Acer palmatum, acer palmatum dissectum, Japanese Maple, Winter bark, Spring foliage, spring color

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.

Did you know that some varieties of Japanese Maples feature terrific spring colors too? Their lush, bright new leaves emerge with a variety of hues we usually expect in fall and create a spectacle of vibrant leaf color in the bleak landscape. If you are an unconditional lover of Japanese Maples, you may want to combine these spring cultivars with other varieties or species that possess stunning features to obtain a bold effect through multiple seasons.

Here is a list of Acers that will help you create wonderful spring scenes and let you enjoy the season in a fabulous new way.

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
Genus Acer
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late),
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
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Great Japanese Maples with Colorful Spring Foliage

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Plant Combination Ideas with Japanese Maples
Companion Plants for your Japanese Maples
Add Drama in Your Garden With Terrific Japanese Maples
Great Japanese Maples for Containers
Great Japanese Maples with Striking Coral Bark
Combining Japanese Maples for long-lasting color impact

Garden Examples

A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Boxwood
A Four-Season Border with Evergreen Conifers and Japanese Maples
A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Japanese Maples and Flowering Cherry Trees
Compare All Acer (Maple)
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Acer (Maple)
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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
Genus Acer
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late),
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
Garden Styles 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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