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Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum

The Living Sculpture: Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)


The Snapshot

  • Common Name: Japanese Maple

  • Scientific Name: Acer palmatum

  • Origin: Japan, Korea, and China

  • Hardiness: Zones 5 – 8 (Generally very successful in NJ)

  • The "Vibe": Artistic, serene, and high-end; the "focal point" that anchors the entire garden design.

The Three Main Personalities

Japanese Maples are generally categorized by their leaf shape and growth habit. For your Wix store, it’s best to group them into these three "Design Roles":


1. The Upright Reds (The "Specimen" King)

These are the iconic trees with deep burgundy or purple leaves that hold their color through the summer.

  • Top Variety: 'Bloodgood' is the gold standard for NJ. It’s tough, holds its deep red color even in heat, and reaches 15–20 feet.

  • The Vibe: Bold, structural, and dramatic.

2. The Classic Greens (The "Cool" Shade)

Often overlooked but incredibly elegant, green varieties offer a refreshing, "forest" feel and usually have the most spectacular fall colors (vibrant oranges and yellows).

  • Top Variety: 'Sango Kaku' (Coral Bark Maple). It has lime-green leaves, but the branches turn a shocking neon pink/red in the winter.

  • The Vibe: Fresh, luminous, and multi-seasonal.

3. The Laceleaf / Threadleaf (The "Lacy" Weeper)

Known as Acer palmatum var. dissectum, these stay low and wide with "mounded" habits. Their leaves are finely cut, looking almost like delicate lace or feathers.

  • Top Variety: 'Crimson Queen' (Red laceleaf) or 'Waterfall' (Green laceleaf).

  • The Vibe: Delicate, cascading, and romantic. Perfect for planting near water or stone walls.

Designer Tips: Where to Plant

  • The "Laceleaf" Landing: Plant a Threadleaf variety at the edge of a raised garden bed or next to a large boulder. Its weeping branches will "spill" over the edge, creating a soft, natural look.

  • The Winter Glow: Plant a 'Sango Kaku' where you can see it from a window in January. The bright red bark against white snow is one of the best winter sights in NJ.

  • The Entryway Focal Point: An Upright Red like 'Bloodgood' makes a perfect statement piece in the center of a circular driveway or near a front walkway.

Designer Pro-Tip: Japanese Maples have relatively shallow roots. To keep them happy in New Jersey's fluctuating climate, mulch them well (2-3 inches), but keep the mulch away from the bark. This keeps the roots cool in July and insulated in January.

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