Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
A deciduous shrub or small tree known for its elegant, deeply lobed leaves and attractive branching structure.
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun, about 4 to 6 hours of light per day, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Avoid waterlogging and drought stress.
- Growth
- Deciduous woody perennial with a rounded or vase-shaped growth form, typically reaching 15 to 25 feet in height and spread with a slow to moderate growth rate
Care instructions
Provide partial shade or morning sun with afternoon protection. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but well-draining. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun, about 4 to 6 hours of light per day, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Avoid waterlogging and drought stress.
Soil
Well-draining, loamy or sandy soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 6.5
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8
Growth habit
Deciduous woody perennial with a rounded or vase-shaped growth form, typically reaching 15 to 25 feet in height and spread with a slow to moderate growth rate
Bloom season
Spring, featuring small, inconspicuous purple or red flowers arranged in small clusters
Propagation
Propagated primarily through softwood cuttings taken in summer or by grafting onto seedling rootstocks in late winter
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to verticillium wilt, leaf scorch from excessive sun or wind, aphids, and scale insects; prevent by maintaining proper watering and avoiding root damage
Similar species
Fullmoon maple (Acer japonicum), which features rounder leaves with a higher number of lobes compared to the sharply divided lobes of the Japanese maple