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Acer palmatum ‘Pixie’ (Japanese Maple)

Japanese Maple 'Pixie'

Acer palmatum 'Pixie', Japanese Maple 'Pixie', Red Acer, Red Japanese Maple, Red leaves

Similar to the popular ‘Bloodgood’ variety, Acer palmatum ‘Pixie’ (Japanese Maple) is a small, upright, deciduous tree with a dense, twiggy canopy. Emerging pink in spring, the deeply cut, 7-lobed leaves gradually change to purple-red in summer before turning bright scarlet in fall. Small green flowers appear in spring nd are followed by winged, red fruit in autumn. Perfect for small gardens and patio containers.

  • Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 6-7 ft. wide (180-210 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or patio containers.
  • Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
  • May be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, coral spot, phytophthora root rot and verticillium wilt.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or by layering.
  • Acer palmatum is native to Japan, China, and Korea.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer
Common names Maple, Japanese Maple
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Traditional Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Ariadne’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Sumi-Nagashi’ (Japanese Maple)
Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Brilliantissimum’ (Sycamore Maple)
Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)
Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’ (Japanese Maple)

Recommended Companion Plants

Pachysandra terminalis ‘Green Carpet’ (Japanese Spurge)
Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair Grass)
Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge)
Leucojum vernum (Spring Snowflake)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
Combining Japanese Maples for long-lasting color impact
Companion Plants for your Japanese Maples
Plant Combination Ideas with Japanese Maples
Great Japanese Maples with Stunning Spring Color
Great Japanese Maples with Striking Coral Bark
Great Japanese Maples for Containers
Native Plant Alternatives to Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
Shrubs and Trees with Attractive Winter Bark
Best Companion Plants for Camellias
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer
Common names Maple, Japanese Maple
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Garden Uses Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Japanese Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Acer (Maple)
Guides with
Acer (Maple)
Not sure which Acer (Maple) to pick?
Compare Now

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