Folio № 26 of 36 · in the garden since 2023
Japanese Maple 'Sharp's Pygmy'
Acer palmatum 'Sharp's Pygmy'
Dwarf cultivar with very small leaves and short internodes; dense, slow growth makes it a favorite for shohin and mame bonsai.
The year, as this species lives it
Thirteen phases. Touch any arc — the wheel remembers what each season asks.
Early Fall · Sep 1 – Sep 30 · happening now
- Gradually reduce watering frequency.
- Final feed of the season to build winter reserves.
- Structural wiring/pruning before leaf color onset.
- Optimal time for wiring with active sap.
- Encourage hardening of summer growth.
click another arc to travel the year →
The care sheet
The constants — what stays true in every season.
Partial shade to full sun
Protect from hot afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.
High
Never allow to dry out completely.
Balanced
Avoid high-nitrogen after midsummer.
Structural in early spring, maintenance through summer
Pinch new shoots to maintain shape.
Spring or Autumn
Use guy wires for older wood to reduce scarring.
Every 2-3 years
Repot just as buds begin to swell.
Cuttings or seed
Cuttings root easily with hormone.
Protect fine branches from late frost.
Mist foliage to counteract dry air.
On the bench · 6
Every Japanese Maple 'Sharp's Pygmy' in the garden, oldest hands first.
