Little decorative landscape trees with colorful ornamental palmate leaves, dwarf Japanese maple trees are tiny. Little gardens, growing in pots, or tiny lawn trees are perfect for little Japanese maples. The red, orange, yellow, purple, green, and pink leafy foliage of dwarf Japanese maples is a stunning feature. Japanese maples with dwarf cultivars typically grow to be about 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters) tall.
You can plant a variety of compact Japanese maple trees in your yard. The leaves of different dwarf Japanese maple cultivars are various colors. Lacy, feathery leaves with a spiky appearance can be found on some small Japanese maple trees. Like conventional maple trees, other dwarf Japanese maples have foliage with five to seven lobes. Dwarf weeping Japanese maple trees come in a variety of spectacular colors. When garden space is constrained, these tiny, graceful trees with cascading, drooping branches are ideal.
The qualities of the greatest dwarf Japanese maples are discussed in this article. You can choose from a variety of Japanese maple tree leaf types by studying descriptions and images.
About Dwarf Japanese Maple Trees
Dwarf Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum) belong to the genus Acer and the Sapindaceae family, and they provide exquisite fall color. Dwarf ornamental maples do not grow higher than 10 feet (3 meters) tall, unlike tall maples that may reach 30 feet (10 meters). The lovely colorful foliage and ornamental value of dwarf Japanese maples are usually the reason for their cultivation.
Japanese maple trees, at 10 feet (3 meters) or shorter, have year-round decorative appeal. In the spring, colorful leafy foliage emerges and lasts until autumn. The magnificent and vivid autumn hues appear on the maple leaves. To offer winter appeal, most ornamental dwarf Japanese maples feature a lovely branch structure or colorful bark.
How to Choose the Right Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree
There are several sorts of dwarf Japanese maple trees to choose from, depending on the conditions of your garden. Consideration of height, leaf color, leaf shape, growth habit, and growing zone is required. When it comes to picking a dwarf Japanese maple, there are a few things to consider:
Height: The compact size of most dwarf Japanese maples appeals to most people. The tallest dwarf Japanese maples reach a height of 10 feet (3 meters), while the smallest are around 3 feet (1 meter).
Leaf color: The vivid foliage of all Japanese maples, including tiny ones, is a characteristic. In terms of leaf color, few ornamental trees match these maples. When the maple leaves fall in the spring, summer, and fall, certain dwarf cultivars have foliage in three colors.
Leaf shape: Depending on the form of their leaves, dwarf Japanese maples are divided into two groups: palmate leaf and laceleaf (sometimes known as cutleaf maples).
Growth habit: An upright, spreading vase shape, a rounded crown, or weeping growth habit are all possibilities for small, compact Japanese maples.
USDA growing zones: Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8, most dwarf Japanese maples Some, on the other hand, flourish in zones 4 and 9 with safeguard.
Dwarf Japanese Maple Trees Care
As long as they thrive in well-draining soil that is kept damp, dwarf Japanese maples are simple to maintain. Place Japanese maples in a location with at least four hours of daily sunlight. Keep the land moist, but not soggy, by watering it. Late-summer or late-fall yearly pruning encourages excellent development. Since the maples might lose their bushy form, it is not necessary to fertilize them.
Growing Japanese Maples in Pots or Containers
Growing small maples in pots is a good idea. Japanese maples are suitable as potted patio plants because of their characteristics. They’re tiny, take a long time to mature, and have finely chopped leaves. Pick a dwarf variety of Japanese maple under 10 feet (3 meters) to grow in a pot.
Plant the tiny trees in a loose, well-draining potting soil. Also, make sure there are drainage holes in the big container. To keep the soil moist without becoming waterlogged, water the dwarf Japanese maple regularly.
For growing dwarf Japanese maple trees in containers, here are some additional tips:
- in the spring, use a weak houseplant fertilizer to fertilize sparingly
- When you see roots protruding from the pot, repot or prune them.
- To maintain the miniature maple tree’s form, prune branches in midsummer.
Laceleaf Japanese Maple ‘Garnet’ (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Garnet’)
The tiny Japanese maple tree ‘Garnet’ features red-orange leaves that turn to purple-green in the autumn, and its leaves are covered in ferny cuttings. The dwarf tree has an appealing rounded appearance due to the spreading habit of the small Japanese maple tree.
The dense Japanese maple with its low spreading habit and lovely leaves is highly valued. Between 6 and 8 feet (1.8 and 2.4 meters) high and up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) broad, the dwarf laceleaf ‘Garnet’ maple thrives. The foliage of the compact backyard maple is stunning in partial shade, but it can withstand full sun as well.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: In the spring and summer, ‘Garnet’ Japanese maple leaves are red-orange, then purple before falling. The little maple tree’s ornamental appeal is enhanced by its seven-lobed finely cut leaves that give it a feathery appearance.
Orange Dream Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’)
Beautiful palmate golden-yellow leaves with pink tinges on the margins make up the dwarf Japanese maple ‘Orange Dream. One of the many colorful maples with yellowish-green summer leaves is the ‘Orange Dream.’ The leaves turn an brilliant orange color in the fall. It thrives in containers or small gardens because to its slow growth and compact form. Between 8 and 10 feet (2.4 and 3 meters) tall, the Japanese maple named ‘Orange Dream’ is a little under 6 feet (1.8 meters) broad. Its eye-catching vase shape is characterized by its upright, spreading branches.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: Seven-lobed palmate leaves with serrated edges, the dwarf ‘Orange Dream’ ornamental maple leaves. Yellow, pink, chartreuse, and brilliant orange are the leaf hues.
Viridis Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Viridis’)
The rounded crown of fern-like Japanese maple leaves is stunning. Cascading branches with lacy leaves and thin, dissected lobes characterize Acer palmatum ‘Viridis.’ The ‘Viridis’ cultivar of Japanese maple has winter appeal because of its beautifully twisted branches that are visible when the feathery leaves fall.
The dissectum group is made up of several species. The tree can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall and broad, with bushy branches. This magnificent specimen tree is unmatched as a patio or deck plant. Growing is best in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: In the cultivar ‘Viridis,’ feathery cut leaves emerge green and stay that way throughout the summer. In the autumn, the spiky leaves turn a brilliant scarlet with gold veins running through them.
Green Mist Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Green Mist’)
Var is the word for “vase” in Latin. Dissectum is a dwarf decorative maple tree that grows on Acer palmatum A mounding plant with lovely cascading leaves. The Japanese maple, which grows at a height of 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters), takes roughly 20 years to reach full maturity.
Because of the cascading branches that tend to spread outward, its graceful bushy maple has a rounded, dense shrub-like appearance. The Japanese maple, sometimes known as the Green Mist, grows to a height of 3 feet (1 meter) and a width of 5 feet (1.5 meters). The hardy and beautiful maple grows in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: Feathery, lacy leaves with lengthy, sliced lobes characterize the Green Mist. In the fall before the maple leaves drop, the delicate foliage turns orangey-yellow or scarlet red as it emerges bright green.
Laceleaf Japanese Maple ‘Garnet’ (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Garnet’)
The tiny Japanese maple tree ‘Garnet’ features red-orange leaves that turn to purple-green in the autumn, and its leaves are covered in ferny cuttings. The dwarf tree has an appealing rounded appearance due to the spreading habit of the small Japanese maple tree.
The dense Japanese maple with its low spreading habit and lovely leaves is highly valued. Between 6 and 8 feet (1.8 and 2.4 meters) high and up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) broad, the dwarf laceleaf ‘Garnet’ maple thrives. The foliage of the compact backyard maple is stunning in partial shade, but it can withstand full sun as well.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: In the spring and summer, ‘Garnet’ Japanese maple leaves are red-orange, then purple before falling. The little maple tree’s ornamental appeal is enhanced by its seven-lobed finely cut leaves that give it a feathery appearance.
Orange Dream Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’)
Beautiful palmate golden-yellow leaves with pink tinges on the margins make up the dwarf Japanese maple ‘Orange Dream. One of the many colorful maples with yellowish-green summer leaves is the ‘Orange Dream.’ The leaves turn an brilliant orange color in the fall. It thrives in containers or small gardens because to its slow growth and compact form. Between 8 and 10 feet (2.4 and 3 meters) tall, the Japanese maple named ‘Orange Dream’ is a little under 6 feet (1.8 meters) broad. Its eye-catching vase shape is characterized by its upright, spreading branches.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: Seven-lobed palmate leaves with serrated edges, the dwarf ‘Orange Dream’ ornamental maple leaves. Yellow, pink, chartreuse, and brilliant orange are the leaf hues.
Viridis Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Viridis’)
Cascading branches with lacy leaves and thin, dissected lobes characterize Acer palmatum ‘Viridis.’ The rounded crown of fern-like Japanese maple leaves is stunning. Because of the beautifully twisted branches that are visible when the feathery leaves fall, the ‘Viridis’ Japanese maple has winter appeal.The ‘Viridis’ cultivar is in the Acer palmatum var. dissectum group. The bushy Japanese maple tree can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall and broad. As a patio or deck plant, this superb specimen tree is unbeatable. USDA zones 5 to 8 are ideal for growing.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: Feathery cut leaves emerge green and stay green throughout the summer in the cultivar ‘Viridis. The spiky-looking leaves turn bright red in the fall, with streaks of gold throughout.
Green Mist Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Green Mist’)
Var. palmatum of Acer palmatum A mounding plant with lovely cascading leaves, dissectum is a dwarf decorative maple tree. At 5 or 6 feet (1.5 – 1.8 m) tall, the slow-growing Japanese maple takes roughly 20 years to reach maturity. Its graceful bushy maple has a rounded, dense shrub-like appearance due to the cascading branches that tend to spread outward. The Japanese maple known as the ‘Green Mist’ grows to a height of 3 feet (1 meter) and a width of 5 feet (1.5 meters). In USDA zones 5 to 9, the hardy and colorful maple thrives.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: Feathery, lace-like leaves with long, sliced lobes characterize the “Green Mist.” In the autumn before the maple leaves fall, the delicate foliage emerges bright green and turns orangey-yellow or scarlet red.
‘Fireglow’ Small Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’)
The Fireglow palmate Japanese maple is a tiny sized decorative red-leaved tree. This tiny tree is ideal for confined, tiny areas or container cultivation. It grows at a leisurely pace. It has slender lobes on its bright red foliage. Year-round visual appeal is provided by the changing foliage color.
Between 6 and 10 feet (1.8 and 3 meters) tall and 15 feet (4.5 meters) broad, the Fireglow Japanese maple takes 10 years to grow. The single-stemmed tree has a spreading, rounded canopy and branches. In USDA zones 5 to 9, grow indoors or in small gardens.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: The bright red hues of the Japanese maple’s palm-like leaves are striking. The lobed maple leaves turn pink-red in the spring, then green with crimson blushing, and finally purple-red in the autumn.
‘Red Pygmy’ Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum ‘Red Pygmy’)
One of the tiniest ornamental Japanese trees for your garden is the “Red Pygmy” dwarf Japanese maple tree. A mature height of 5 feet (1.5 meters) and a spread of 5 feet (1.5 meters) are achieved after 20 years. The leaves of the Japanese maple ‘Red Pygmy’ are long, thin, and serrated. This is a attractive Japanese maple for tiny gardens with its decorative stems that create a bushy appearance. USDA zones 6 to 8 are good places to grow the red pygmy dwarf Japanese maple.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: In the spring and summer, before turning yellow, green, orange, or red in the autumn, the leaves of the red pygmy are long and thin finger-like leaves.
Ornatum Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Ornatum’)
The slow-growing Japanese maple cultivar ‘Ornatum’ has delicate lacy leaves with long thin lobes that turn bronze-red in the spring. In the summer, the leaves develop a bronze-orange coloration, and in the winter, they turn brilliant crimson. The rounded growth habit of the Ornatum maple tree. With a spread of 8–10 ft. (2.4–3 m), this small Japanese maple tree may grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall. In zones 5 through 8, grow in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil.
Dwarf Weeping Japanese Maple Trees (With Pictures)
In tiny gardens, dwarf weeping Japanese maples with their arching, cascading branches that droop to the ground create a stunning effect. Some of the best weeping Japanese maple trees in tiny and miniature sizes are shown below.
Red Dragon Dwarf Weeping Maple Tree (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Red Dragon’)
The upright growth of the ‘Red Dragon’ dwarf Japanese maple tree creates a visually stunning maple shrub, with cascading branches. The ‘Red Dragon’ has lace-like leaves with cut lobes and is a threadleaf Japanese maple. The rich foliage changes hues of crimson throughout the years, reaching a height of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m). Reddish foliage covers the arching branches, keeping them vibrant in full sun. In USDA zones 5 to 8, weeping dwarf maple thrives.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: The little ‘Red Dragon’ tree has dragon-like maple leaves. In the fall, the deeply-cut, thin ferny leaves turn deep burgundy before dropping crimson red.
Inaba Shidare Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Inaba Shidare’)
The Inaba Shidare dwarf weeping Japanese maple tree has fen-like dissected leaves and deep red and purple hues. It has an elegant cascading form. The dwarf ornamental maple grows to be 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall after ten years. The shrubby Japanese maple tree has a bushy look thanks to its low-spreading pendulous growth.
In USDA zones 5 to 9, the attractive maple thrives. To preserve the foliage color of the weeping dwarf tree in hot climates, it should be grown in partial shade.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: Lobes of the Inaba Shidare tree have been dissected, giving it a lacy appearance. Throughout the growing season, the leaves change color from purple to green. The maple leaves are fern-like and grow to be 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Dissectum Atropurpureum Dwarf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum Dissectum’)
This weeping dwarf Japanese maple has ferny leaves with deep incisions on the long, thin, pointed lobes, according to its botanical name dissectum. The ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’s’ brightly autumn colored red leaves and spreading cascading growth are two of its most distinguishing characteristics.
You may appreciate the intriguing forms of the twisted, bent, and contorted limbs when the maple’s leaves fall off in winter. At 8 ft. (2.4 m) tall and broad, the dwarf cultivar ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ takes several years to mature. In zones 6 to 8, grow this lovely tiny-size red maple in pots, small gardens, or as a lawn tree.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: Lace-like leaves with long, thin cut blades characterize the Dissectum Atropurpureum maple. In the fall, the maple leaves change from purple to bronze-green and finally to a blazing orangey-red color.
Dwarf Weeping Japanese Maple tree ‘Waterfall’ (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Waterfall’)
The weeping Japanese maple Acer palmatum dissectum has small, bushy leaves with feathery decorations. The lace-like leaves of this Japanese maple are dark green in color throughout the summer. The threadleaf maple leaves turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall.
The cascading branches are the distinguishing characteristic of this dwarf tree, as the Japanese maple cultivar name suggests. In the summer, their drooping branches create a cascade of green leaves, and in the fall, they change to orange-red. The dwarf maple is 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) tall, with a rounded umbrella-like crown that measures up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) wide.
Dwarf Japanese maple leaves: Long, thin dissected lobes are cut to the stem of the Waterfall Japanese maple. In the autumn, each lacy maple leaf exhibits vivid red and yellow hues, adding to the ornamental worth.
Japanese Maple Bonsai
Japanese maples are ideal bonsai trees, with their naturally bent and twisted branches. In the spring and autumn of full-sized maples, miniature Japanese maple bonsai trees produce the same vividly colored leaves. Here are some great Acer palmatum cultivars for miniature Japanese maple trees that you may try:
Acer palmatum ‘Deshojo’—Little maple with broad leaves that is crimson-leaved.
Acer palmatum ‘Seigen’—In the summer, the red leaves of a laceleaf maple bonsai tree.
Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’—An orange-leaved Japanese bonsai with palmate leaves.
Acer palmatum atropurpureum—In the summer, dark red leaves cover this miniature maple.
Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’—Curled leaves and a shrubby growth characterize this fascinating maple bonsai.