Introduction

Japanese Maple Varieties are a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers for their stunning foliage and unique characteristics. With over 1,000 different varieties to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for your garden. In this glossary, we will explore the different types of Japanese Maple Varieties, their characteristics, and how to care for them.

Acer Palmatum

Acer Palmatum is one of the most popular and widely cultivated Japanese Maple Varieties. Known for its vibrant red, orange, or green leaves, this variety is a favorite among gardeners for its stunning fall colors. With its delicate foliage and graceful branches, Acer Palmatum adds a touch of elegance to any garden.

Acer Japonicum

Acer Japonicum is another popular Japanese Maple Variety known for its unique leaf shape and color. With its deeply lobed leaves and striking red or green hues, Acer Japonicum is a standout in any garden. This variety is also prized for its compact size, making it ideal for smaller gardens or containers.

Acer Shirasawanum

Acer Shirasawanum, also known as the Full Moon Maple, is a unique Japanese Maple Variety prized for its large, round leaves and vibrant colors. With its golden, orange, or red foliage, Acer Shirasawanum adds a pop of color to any garden. This variety is also known for its tolerance to heat and humidity, making it a great choice for gardeners in warmer climates.

Acer Palmatum Dissectum

Acer Palmatum Dissectum, or the Laceleaf Japanese Maple, is a delicate and graceful variety known for its finely dissected leaves and cascading branches. With its lacy foliage and weeping habit, Acer Palmatum Dissectum adds a touch of elegance to any garden. This variety is also prized for its vibrant fall colors, ranging from red to orange to yellow.

Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum

Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum, or the Red Japanese Maple, is a striking variety known for its deep purple-red foliage. With its bold color and upright growth habit, Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum is a standout in any garden. This variety is also prized for its tolerance to sun and heat, making it a great choice for gardeners in sunny locations.

Acer Palmatum Osakazuki

Acer Palmatum Osakazuki is a popular Japanese Maple Variety known for its vibrant red foliage and upright growth habit. With its large, palmate leaves and intense red color, Acer Palmatum Osakazuki adds a bold statement to any garden. This variety is also prized for its tolerance to wind and cold, making it a great choice for gardeners in colder climates.

Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku

Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku, or the Coral Bark Maple, is a unique Japanese Maple Variety prized for its bright coral-colored bark and golden-yellow foliage. With its striking winter interest and graceful form, Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku is a standout in any garden. This variety is also prized for its tolerance to drought and poor soil, making it a great choice for gardeners in challenging conditions.

Acer Palmatum Beni Kawa

Acer Palmatum Beni Kawa, or the Red River Japanese Maple, is a stunning variety known for its vibrant red bark and green foliage. With its unique bark color and compact growth habit, Acer Palmatum Beni Kawa adds a touch of interest to any garden. This variety is also prized for its tolerance to wet soil and poor drainage, making it a great choice for gardeners in damp locations.

Acer Palmatum Bloodgood

Acer Palmatum Bloodgood is a classic Japanese Maple Variety known for its deep red foliage and upright growth habit. With its rich color and strong branches, Acer Palmatum Bloodgood is a standout in any garden. This variety is also prized for its tolerance to urban pollution and compact size, making it a great choice for city gardens.

Acer Palmatum Emperor I

Acer Palmatum Emperor I is a regal Japanese Maple Variety known for its large, deeply lobed leaves and vibrant red color. With its majestic presence and strong branches, Acer Palmatum Emperor I is a standout in any garden. This variety is also prized for its tolerance to heat and drought, making it a great choice for gardeners in challenging conditions.

Acer Palmatum Katsura

Acer Palmatum Katsura is a unique Japanese Maple Variety known for its vibrant orange and yellow foliage. With its striking color and compact growth habit, Acer Palmatum Katsura adds a touch of warmth to any garden. This variety is also prized for its tolerance to shade and poor soil, making it a great choice for gardeners in challenging locations.

Acer Palmatum Shishigashira

Acer Palmatum Shishigashira, or the Lion’s Head Maple, is a distinctive Japanese Maple Variety known for its dense, tufted foliage and unique growth habit. With its lion’s head-like appearance and compact size, Acer Palmatum Shishigashira adds a touch of whimsy to any garden. This variety is also prized for its tolerance to pruning and shaping, making it a great choice for bonsai enthusiasts.