All Species > Acer palmatum

Japanese Maple

Highly refined deciduous tree; delicate branching and strong seasonal appeal; widely used in bonsai.

Seasonal Care Guide

Late Dormancy (Invalid DateTime – Invalid DateTime)

  • Watering: Keep soil lightly moist to prevent desiccation during root activation.
  • Pruning: Perform final structural cuts before bud swell; avoid heavy pruning.
  • Wiring: Safe to wire before buds open, but wood is brittle—use caution.
  • Pests Disease: Clear debris to reduce overwintering pests.
  • Winter Protection: Provide root insulation; watch for late freezes.
  • Wound Management: Seal larger pruning cuts to reduce cold damage.

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Partial shade to full sun
  • Notes: Protect from hot afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.
  • Winter: Protect fine branches from late frost.
  • Summer: Mist foliage to counteract dry air.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Deciduous
  • Form: Broadleaf

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: High
  • Notes: Never allow to dry out completely.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Avoid high-nitrogen after midsummer.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Use guy wires for older wood to reduce scarring.
  • Pruning: Structural in early spring, maintenance through summer
  • Notes: Pinch new shoots to maintain shape.
  • Repotting: Every 2-3 years
  • Notes: Repot just as buds begin to swell.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Cuttings root easily with hormone.

Zone 8b Considerations

Protect roots if temps < 20 F