Japanese Maples: Our Favorites for Fall 2022
Japanese maples are a diverse family of deciduous trees, adored for their beautiful foliage and graceful structure. There is huge variation in height, growth form, leaf shape, foliage coloring, and bark appearance, making Japanese maples a versatile option for any garden.
Maples thrive in rich well-draining soil and in sun to part shade conditions, both in the ground and in containers. For more care info, and to choose a variety that you'll love, come into Sky or take a look at our complete list of Japanese maples. If you're interested in container growing specifically, we recommend going deeper with our blog post: Container Japanese Maples: Tips & Tricks from a Pro.
Each fall, as you'll see in the list above, we receive an extensive new supply of maples, just in time to showcase their breathtaking autumn colors. This article goes in-depth on some of our favorites to arrive in 2022: tried and true classics, new varieties we've not carried before, and more unique finds.
The Classics
These cultivars are Japanese maple staples! Gorgeous and popular in our region, these well-established varieties are a great place to start whether you're buying your first Japanese maple or filling gaps in your collection.
Shin deshojo
Acer palmatum 'Shin deshojo'
Have you ever visited the outdoor section of Sky and been wowed by a certain potted peachy-red maple near the information booth? Well, you were looking at a Shin deshojo! This award-winning variety is particularly beloved for its vibrant spring color (pictured). Classically lobed leaves emerge bright fuchsia/peach in the spring, later maturing to scarlet. The foliage is reddish-green in summer, turning orange-red in the fall. A slow-growing variety with a spreading form and a 10-year growth estimate of 4-6' by 4-6'. The recipient of the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, Shin deshojo is great in backyards, small gardens, containers, and bonsai.
Osakazuki akame (Dwarf Flame-Leaf Japanese Maple)
Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki akame'
Osakazuki akame is a more compact form of its sister variety ‘Osakazuki'. Medium growing and upright, this tree can reach substantial heights of 12-20 feet by 10-20 feet after ten years of growth. This cultivar is also referred to as a ‘Dwarf Flame-Leaf Japanese maple’ for its brilliant red fall color. Its leaves begin an olive-orange in the spring, maturing into a bright green in early summer, then transforming into a stunning crimson display come autumn. Its beautiful color and multi-branching structure make it a lovely statement tree. Osakazuki akame grows in both full or partial sun. Its large, thick leaves make it great for withstanding the hot summer sun where other Japanese maples can burn or crisp.
Sango Kaku (Coral Bark Maple)
Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'
At nearly 140 years old, this cultivar is truly a classic, and for good reason! Also referred to as 'Coral Bark Maple’ for its impressive red bark, Sango Kaku translates to ‘coral tower’ in Japanese. Green leaves turn yellow bordered with red, making a striking contrast to the tree’s bright red bark. The bark looks even more fantastic in the wintertime. For the brightest bark, plant in a brightly lit location, keeping an eye out for signs of over exposure (leaf scorch on new growth). Bark color may fade on older plants. Sango Kaku is a medium-growing variety with a vase-like structure, and can be 15-20' by 8-12' at maturity. A beautiful and low-maintenance cultivar that does well in a wide range of soil types, both in-ground and in containers.
Autumn Moon Maple
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'
Interested in orange? Well then, this might be the maple for you. Autumn Moon boasts a spectacular autumnal bronze gold leaf color. New growth unfurls yellow, maturing burnt orange, foliage then becoming a spectacular orange-red in fall. This variety is medium growing with a rounding form, reaching 8-10 by 6-8 feet. The tree grows in bright shade; the more light exposure, the better the foliage color. Leaves fade to yellow-green in shadier locations. This cultivar needs protection from any scalding summer sun.
Seiryu
Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'
A lovely lace leaf variety, Seiryu, is one of the few laceleaf maples with an upright growth form. This variety has an estimated height of 12-15 feet and a width of 6-10 feet. The deeply divided, feathery leaves add to the maple's beautiful, delicate structure. Leaves open green in spring, with autumn bringing an incredible show of gold and red. Recommended for both sun and part shade, this cultivar is more heat tolerant than other dissectum varieties. Consider this graceful, fine-leafed variety as a great choice for gardens or containers.
Japanese Maple Varieties New to Sky
Sky Nursery prides itself on keeping things interesting by seeking out a wide and well varied selection of maples each year. Here is a look at some of the coolest varieties new to Sky this season. (Please note, a couple of these were at Sky more than 5 years ago, but we haven't seen them in so long, it kinda feels like they're new again!)
Kiyohime (Crazy Lion Maple)
Acer palmatum 'Kiyohime'
Kiyohime is a particularly small and mounding dwarf cultivar. The shrub matures to 4-5 feet tall by 3-4 feet wide. Its dramatic new growth makes a statement as leaves emerge a rich green, rimmed with fiery orange-red. The foliage then transforms into a classic orange-yellow in the fall. Its dense, highly compact form can be bonsaied or let to grow into its mature rounded structure.
Aka Shigitatsu Sawa
Acer palmatum 'Aka shigitatsu sawa'
A compact and engaging variety, Aka shigitatsu sawa maples provide a striking accent for bed or container planting. Slow-growing with a vase-like form, this cultivar reaches 6-8 feet in height with a 4-6 feet wide canopy. Darkly veined leaves create a distinctive contrast as the tree undergoes its seasonal color change. New spring foliage grows out a unique cream color with deep green and red venation. As the leaves mature, they become bright green,then red with lovely purple and gold overtones in the fall. Winter hardy to - 10°F, Aka shigitatsu sawas require protection from the hot sun to avoid leaf scorch.
Kurui jishi
Acer palmatum 'Kurui jishi'
This dwarf variety maple has a fascinating leaf texture. This variety has an upright form and is slow growing (but well worth the wait!). It has an estimated height of 8-10 feet with a canopy of 4-6 feet after a decade of growth. Kurui jishi means ‘Crazy Lion’ in Japanese which is another common name for the variety, as well as ‘Confused Lion’. The maple is named for its unusual crinkle-leaf structure. The comparatively small leaves are star-shaped and deep green, curling in on themselves around the edges. This gives the foliage a shaggy ‘lion’s mane’ appearance which is accentuated by its orange and yellow fall coloring. For those looking for a small accent tree, this textured variety is worth checking out.
Engaging and Unique Japanese Maples
Looking for something outside the ordinary? These Maples are unique nursery favorites that are sure to stand out in your garden.
Aconitifolium (Fernleaf Full Moon Maple)
Acer japonicum 'Aconitifolium'
Aconitifolium, is a variety of many names. Referred to as ‘Fernleaf Full Moon Maple’ for its wide deeply palmate leaves, which almost appear like fern fronds. Aconitifolium is also known as 'Dancing Peacock’, partially for its distinct leaf shape and partially for its extraordinary multi-colored fall foliage. Dark green summer leaves transform into a wild autumn array of intense purples, reds, oranges, and yellows. A slow-grower, this rounded tree is estimated to reach 10-12 feet tall and wide. Able to thrive in containers, Aconitifolium is a stellar accent choice for a planting or porch.
Koto no Ito
Acer palmatum 'Koto-no-ito'
Meaning ‘harp string’ in Japanese, Koto no ito is a reference to the cultivar’s very narrow, deeply palmated leaves. Fun Fact: the variety’s dense branch structure can actually be used as a harp frame! Its string-like leaves are green until the fall when they turn a beautiful vibrant yellow accented with red. This tree is slow-growing and upright, with an estimated height of 6-8 feet and a width of 4-5 feet. Its slender lace-like leaves only accentuate the elegance of the maple’s form. This, paired with its striking fall color makes this cultivar something truly special.
Tsukushigata
Acer palmatum ‘Tsukushigata’
One of the most interesting of the red Japanese maples, Tsukushigata, has wide, star-shaped leaves that are almost black. In spring the leaves grow out chocolatey purple, then the cultivar keeps its dark look all summer before turning vivid scarlet in the fall. The stems and bark of the tree are a bright green, adding a nice contrast to the foliage. Bare green stems also create colorful winter interest. This variety reaches 10-12 feet, with a width of 6-8 feet. Doing well in containers, this cultivar will have the most color interest in the sun, as leaves can become green in the shade.
Mikawa yatsubusa
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa yatsubusa'
Mikawa yatsubusa, meaning "a small cluster of three rivers," is a densely growing, dwarf maple variety. Noted for its compact form and closely overlapping leaf pattern, this variety makes an impressive bonsai or focal point for a small garden. Leaves grow out yellow-green with red tips, darkening as they mature. In fall, fiery scarlet and darker crimson foliage create an excellent display. At maturity, Mikawa yatsubusa will reach 4-5 feet by 3-4 feet. The variety tolerates both sun and part shade but prefers cooler sites. Its mounding shape, accented by the stacking leaf structure, make this small tree stand out in any neighborhood.
Ryusen or Ryusei
Acer palmatum 'Ryusen'
‘Ryusen’, also called ‘Ryusei’, is an exceptional weeping cultivar. Wide, palmate leaves usually only found in upright varieties add to the drama of the maple's extreme cascading form. Leaves begin green and become bright yellow to orange-red in the fall. A fast-growing cultivar, Ryusen grows straight up and then weeps downwards, getting 4-6 feet in height after ten years , depending on staking. Despite the long draping stems, the tree remains columnar, getting 3-4 feet wide, making it great for narrow spaces. The maple can be trained to its desired height or left to weep over a deck, wall, or arbor where its branches can trail up to 20 feet!
No matter what space you have to work with, or what your gardening style may be, there is likely a maple for you. Cultivars can be short, tall, yellow, purple, red, orange, or green, have small leaves or big leaves, be weeping or upright, or both weeping and upright; we think you get the point. Versatile, elegant, and consistently interesting, Japanese maples are the perfect statement tree. Well suited for the Northwest climate, these maples offer a lot of vibrance without a lot of maintenance. Interested in brightening up your fall season?
So come by Sky and take one of our maples home! Our Japanese Maple List for Fall 2022 covers all the varieties we are stocking this year. If you’ve got a specific variety in mind, ensure a successful trip by calling or emailing us ahead of time to check availability and prices. Our friendly and knowledgeable nursery staff are here to help with all your questions or concerns.
Written by Olivia Sasson, Edited by Sarah Oakes