In our previous article, we introduced 16 captivating Japanese maple varieties. Now, let’s continue our exploration by delving into the remaining 16 exquisite cultivars, each offering its own unique charm and visual allure. From the deep burgundy hues of Acer palmatum ‘Red Dragon’ to the delicate variegation of Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi,’ these Japanese maple varieties are sure to captivate and inspire. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the distinctive features and ornamental appeal of each stunning variety.

Acer palmatum ‘Red Dragon’:

Foliage: Deeply dissected, burgundy-red leaves on a compact plant.

Habit: Upright, mounding growth with a weeping appearance.

Features: Perfect for small gardens or containers.

Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’:

Foliage: Finely dissected, dark red-purple leaves.

Habit: Compact, mounding growth with a dense canopy.

Features: Maintains its rich color well into the summer months.

Acer palmatum ‘Koto No Ito’:

Foliage: Delicate green leaves resembling slender strings.

Habit: Upright, spreading growth with a graceful appearance.

Features: Adds a unique texture and elegance to the garden.

Acer palmatum ‘Shirazz’:

Foliage: Variegated leaves in shades of pink, white, and green.

Habit: Upright, spreading growth with a colorful canopy.

Features: Offers a vibrant display of color throughout the season.

Acer palmatum ‘Orangeola’:

Foliage: Cascading branches adorned with orange-red leaves.

Habit: Weeping growth with a cascading form.

Features: Creates a stunning focal point with its vibrant foliage.

Acer palmatum ‘Waterfall’:

Foliage: Cascading branches with finely dissected, green leaves.

Habit: Weeping growth with a waterfall-like appearance.

Features: Perfect for adding movement and texture to the landscape.

Acer palmatum ‘Moonfire’:

Foliage: Deep purple-red leaves that intensify in color over time.

Habit: Upright, spreading growth with a dense canopy.

Features: Adds a bold accent to any garden or landscape.

Acer palmatum ‘Autumn Moon’:

Foliage: Chartreuse-yellow leaves with red-orange margins.

Habit: Upright, spreading growth with a rounded canopy.

Features: Offers a striking contrast in the garden.

Acer palmatum ‘Twombly’s Red Sentinel’:

Foliage: Crimson-red leaves on an upright, columnar plant.

Habit: Compact, narrow growth with a vertical form.

Features: Ideal for adding height and structure to the landscape.

Acer palmatum ‘Red Select’:

Foliage: Vibrant red leaves on a compact, upright plant.

Habit: Upright, spreading growth with a dense canopy.

Features: Suitable for smaller garden spaces or containers.

Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’:

Foliage: Variegated leaves in shades of pink, cream, and green.

Habit: Upright, spreading growth with a colorful canopy.

Features: Adds a playful touch to any garden setting.

Acer palmatum ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’:

Foliage: This dwarf variety features finely dissected, green leaves that create a dense and compact mound.

Fall Color: As autumn approaches, the foliage undergoes a stunning transformation, turning vibrant shades of orange-red, adding warmth and visual interest to the landscape.

Habit: Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, rockeries, or even container plantings, where its striking foliage can be appreciated up close.

Landscape Use: Mikawa Yatsubusa is prized for its ability to provide year-round interest, from its fresh green foliage in spring and summer to its fiery display of autumn color.

Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’:

Foliage: ‘Shaina’ is characterized by its deep red-purple foliage, which maintains its rich color throughout the growing season.

Habit: With a compact and bushy habit, ‘Shaina’ forms a rounded canopy, making it an ideal choice for adding a splash of vibrant color to small garden spaces or containers.

Fall Color: As temperatures cool in autumn, the foliage may deepen to a darker hue, enhancing its visual impact in the landscape.

Versatility: Due to its compact size and striking foliage, ‘Shaina’ is versatile and can be used as a focal point, specimen planting, or even as part of a mixed border.

Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’:

Foliage: ‘Orange Dream’ delights with its vibrant orange foliage in spring, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of greenery.

Seasonal Transition: As the seasons progress, the foliage transitions to yellow-green in summer, adding a refreshing touch to the landscape, before culminating in shades of orange-red in fall, extending its visual appeal throughout the year.

Habit: Its upright, spreading growth habit with a layered canopy provides structure and interest in the garden.

Landscape Impact: Whether planted as a specimen tree or incorporated into mixed borders, ‘Orange Dream’ adds dynamic color and texture to any outdoor space.

Acer palmatum ‘Red Filigree Lace’:

Foliage: This laceleaf variety is characterized by its deeply dissected, red-purple foliage, which creates a delicate and intricate appearance.

Color Retention: Unlike some other varieties, ‘Red Filigree Lace’ maintains its rich color well throughout the growing season, offering lasting visual impact.

Habit: With a weeping growth habit, this variety forms an elegant cascading canopy, adding grace and movement to the landscape.

Texture and Contrast: The fine texture of the foliage provides a beautiful contrast when planted against coarser or broader-leaved plants, enhancing the overall visual interest of the garden.

Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’:

Foliage: ‘Suminagashi’ captivates with its delicate, variegated foliage adorned in shades of pink, white, and green, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of colors.

Versatility: Whether planted as a standalone specimen or incorporated into mixed borders, this variety adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden setting.

Year-Round Interest: With its ever-changing foliage and graceful form, ‘Suminagashi’ offers year-round interest, evolving in appearance with each passing season.

Aesthetic Appeal: The subtle variegation and soft hues of ‘Suminagashi’ make it an excellent choice for adding depth and dimension to shaded areas or for creating serene and tranquil garden spaces.

Japanese maples are not only cherished for their foliage but also for the peaceful and Zen-like atmosphere they bring to any landscape. Whether you prefer vibrant reds, oranges, greens, or purples, there is a Japanese maple variety to suit every taste and space. Consider incorporating these exquisite trees into your garden to enjoy their beauty year-round.