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Japanese Maple 'Kiyohime': Dwarf Spreading Habit for Bonsai and Containers

Japanese Maple Kiyohime

Kiyohime form

Overview

Japanese Maple 'Kiyohime' (Acer palmatum 'Kiyohime') is a distinctive dwarf cultivar with a spreading, horizontally layered habit. Its small, green leaves have reddish margins in spring, turning green in summer and yellow-orange in fall. Its naturally low, wide form makes it a favorite for bonsai, rock gardens, and container culture where its architectural branching can be appreciated.

Botanical Details

Family: Sapindaceae (sap-in-DAY-see-ee)
Genus: Acer (AY-ser)
Species: Acer palmatum (pahl-MAY-tum)
Cultivar: 'Kiyohime'

Growing Requirements

USDA zones 5-8. Prefers partial shade. Moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Water consistently. Its spreading habit may require occasional pruning to maintain shape, but generally little maintenance is needed.

Ideal Uses

Perfect for bonsai, trough gardens, rock gardens, or as a low, spreading specimen in a container. Its unique horizontal branching adds structural interest year-round.

Japanese Maples: Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood': The Classic Deep Red Landscape Standard; Japanese Maple 'Shaina': Compact Red Dwarf for Small Spaces; Japanese Maple 'Fireglow': Intense Red Upright for Small Gardens; Japanese Maple 'Atropurpureum': The Classic Red-Leaf Seedling Type; Japanese Maple 'Katsura': Spring Orange Splendor with Green Summer Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Osakazuki': Famous for the Most Intense Crimson Fall Color; Japanese Maple 'Kinran': Golden-Veined Reticulated Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Japanese Sunrise': Coral Bark with Yellow-Green Summer Foliage; Japanese Maple 'Moonfire': Reliable Red Upright with Bronze Summer Tones; Japanese Maple 'Murasaki kiyohime': Purple Dwarf Spreader

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