All About Japanese Maples: Varieties, Features, and Growing Tips

Japanese maples are landscape investments with exquisitely layered forms, fine leaf texture, and stunning fall color. Varieties offer yellow-green, purple, red, bronze, and variegated foliage. Sizes range from 3-foot dwarfs to 15-foot specimens. Their cascading habit shines on slopes or overhangs, with branches descending below the trunk base.

Favorite Varieties

• Bloodgood – holds red-purple summer color best.
• Osakazuki – reliable fall color even in mild climates, holds leaves longer.
• Full Moon – chartreuse leaves turn brilliant orange, red, purple in fall.

Cold-Hardy Selections (Zone 5)

• Atropurpureum
• Burgundy Lace
• Elegans
• Ornatum

Winter Interest

• Coral Bark Maple (Sango-kaku) – soft green leaves turn bright yellow in fall, revealing striking red twigs.