11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form

Japanese maples (Acer palmatum cvs.) evoke tranquility and mysticism. Suited to zones 5–8, they prefer morning sun, afternoon shade; red-leafed varieties tolerate more sun. Slightly moist, well-drained soil, regular water (1 inch/week).

Mounding Red-Leaf Forms (Dissectum)

Quintessential Japanese maple, rarely over 8 ft tall, 12 ft spread. Popular: ‘Crimson Queen’, ‘Tamukeyama’, ‘Red Dragon’.

Upright Varieties

‘Bloodgood’, Emperor 1, coral bark maple (‘Sango Kaku’) reach 15–25 ft. Research mature size to avoid disappointment.

Variegated Varieties

‘Butterfly’

Best-known variegated. Upright, 7–12 ft. White and green leaves brighten shade; may scorch in sun. Remove solid-green branches. Underplant with white-variegated hosta ‘Patriot’, River Mist Northern Sea Oats, or holly ferns.

‘Kagiri Nishiki’

Similar to ‘Butterfly’ with pink added. Upright, 10–15 ft. Underplant with strawberry begonia (silvery white variegated leaves, pink underneath).

‘Hana Matoi’

Rare mounding dwarf, 2–3 ft at 10 years, usually grafted. Spring leaves: purple, pink, cream; purple fades to green, pink/cream persist. Pair with pink ‘Visions’ astilbe.

‘Peaches and Cream’

Delicate, 6–10 ft. Best in partial shade; ideal woodland understory. Moss carpet beneath stunning.

‘Mikazuki’

“Crescent moon.” Bronzy pink with bright green veining. 8–10 ft.

‘Higasayama’

Bright green, very hardy, 20–25 ft. Handles full sun but best color in filtered shade. Underplant with dark green Japanese beech fern.

‘Rainbow’

Dark maroon leaves irregularly splashed with pink. 8 ft. Place near woodland path.

‘Manyo no sato’

Rare, lime-green heavily splashed with dark purple. Tolerates more sun, which intensifies color. Underplanted with sun-tolerant ‘Inky Fingers’ coleus.

‘Shirazz’

Spring star, 20 ft, handles more sun (intensifies color). Similar to ‘Geisha Gone Wild’. Both wow.

More: 7 New Plants to Grow for Beautiful Foliage.