Dwarf Japanese Maples

Dwarf Japanese Maples are a truly versatile plant for any garden. They grow well planted directly in the garden and are also well suited to growing in containers, offering a range of varieties and foliage colours. Size typically ranges from 1 to 2 meters, depending on the variety and grafting method, and are typically slow growers.

These low-growing trees have wonderful foliage from spring through late summer. When the cooler weather settles in during autumn, the foliage undergoes a fantastic colour change that adds more impact.

Throughout spring and summer, all varieties display attractive foliage, spanning from greens to rich reds and purples. The leaf type also varies among the different varieties.

While many Dwarf Japanese Maples have a weeping or cascading form, others grow upright or even take on a ball-shaped appearance. They suit a wide range of garden styles and grow well in container gardening as well.

Growth Habit and Garden Uses

While many dwarf Japanese Maples have a graceful cascading habit, others form upright mounding or rounded shapes.

These adaptable small trees suit a wide range of garden styles including:

• Japanese inspired gardens
• Courtyard gardens
• Small urban gardens
• Container plantings
• Woodland style gardens
• Feature planting near patios and entrances

Their slow growth and manageable size make them particularly valuable where space is limited.

Dwarf Japanese Maple Varieties

• Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’ 
  An excellent form with finely dissected foliage. As the name suggests, the foliage is a nice crimson through spring and summer, turning to more reddish tones in autumn as the cool weather settles in.
• Acer palmatum ‘Baby Lace’
  Red and green finely dissected foliage followed by red and orange in autumn.
• Acer palmatum ‘Coonara Pygmy’
  Green five-lobed foliage, deeply incised, with brilliant orange to red tones in autumn. This variety reaches around 2m in height.
• Acer japonicum ‘Fairy Lights’
  Very finely cut leaves. Slow growing but with brilliant scarlet red autumn foliage.
• Acer palmatun ‘Skeeters Dwarf’
  An unusual upright growth habit. Burgundy foliage.
• Acer palmatum ‘Hanama Nishiki’
  Very small foliage on an upright dwarf bush.
• Acer cirinatum ‘Little Gem’
  An unusual form of the vine maple. Green foliage in a tightly rounded bush to around 1m in height.

How to Grow Dwarf Japanese Maples

Position

Grow in full sun to part shade with protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates.

In cooler regions plants will tolerate more sun, while in hotter areas filtered afternoon shade helps protect foliage from scorch.

Soil

Plant in humus-rich, moist but well drained soil.

Good drainage is essential as Japanese Maples dislike waterlogged conditions.

Watering

Water regularly during establishment and through dry periods, particularly for container grown plants.

Applying a liquid seaweed fertiliser at planting time can assist with root establishment.

Fertiliser

Use a controlled release fertiliser in late winter to early spring as new growth begins.

Avoid excessive feeding which can encourage soft growth.

Growing in Containers

Dwarf Japanese Maples are excellent container plants.

Choose a quality potting mix, ensure good drainage and water consistently through summer. Containers should be positioned where plants are protected from drying winds and harsh afternoon sun.

Repot every few years as the root system develops.

Pruning

Dwarf Japanese Maples typically require minimal pruning in the first few years, with usually the removal of dead or damaged branches. The tree’s natural form is often its most attractive feature. However, as they mature, a bit of pruning becomes beneficial.

In addition to clearing away dead wood, it is best to trim some of the branches that cross over or congest the tree’s canopy. This “opening up” of the tree allows sunlight in, reducing the risk of disease and deadwood. This will also give a structured appearance to the tree, ensuring its visual appeal throughout the seasons as well as in winter. See an excellent video on pruning Japanese maples.

In some instances, they are trained to grow at a slant, which is particularly common in Japanese-style gardens, resulting in a windswept look.

It’s important to note that the actual height of these maples is not determined by pruning, but is set by the height of the graft, which can range from 1m, 2m or 3m.

Why Dwarf Japanese Maples Stay Small

Virtually all named dwarf Japanese Maple cultivars sold through nurseries are grafted. This grafting process is what makes them reliable in both size and form.

Selected dwarf varieties are propagated from cuttings and then grafted onto standard Acer palmatum rootstock at a set height, usually somewhere between 1 and 2 metres. Because of this, the eventual height is largely determined by the graft itself rather than pruning.

Most dwarf cultivars are naturally weeping or cascading forms, meaning they tend to grow outward and downward rather than continuing upward growth. This gives them their elegant layered appearance and makes them especially useful beneath windows, beside pathways or as feature plants.

A few smaller upright forms such as ‘Bonsai’ and ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ are exceptions, naturally compact growers that are not strongly weeping in habit.

Where Dwarf Forms Come From

Many dwarf Japanese Maples originate from what growers refer to as witches’ brooms — naturally occurring dense twiggy mutations found growing on established trees.

Others arise from unusual seedlings or mutated branches known as sports. These selections are then propagated to preserve their unique foliage shape, colour and compact growth habit.

Because seedlings will not grow true to type, named cultivars are propagated by grafting to maintain their distinctive characteristics.

Resources

• Japanese Maple Trees for Sale