Dwarf Japanese maples are primarily cultivar of Acer palmatum , a mintage within the Sapindaceae class , which also include maple , buck chestnuts , and soapberries . The genus Acer hold about 150 mintage of deciduous tree and bush , with Acer palmatum being the most prominent for midget selections , alongside casual contribution from Acer japonicum and Acer shirasawanum . These nanus are horticulturally developed for their summary size through selective breeding or grafting , often labeled with cultivar name calling like ‘ Crimson Queen ’ or ‘ Mikawa Yatsubusa ’ . Their classification as cultivar reflects centuries of Japanese horticultural artistry , accent ornamental trait suited for little garden or bonsai .

Dwarf Japanese maple are compact , deciduous Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or shrubs , typically develop 2–10 feet ( 0.6–3 meters ) marvelous and broad , with forms ranging from upright and mound to weeping and cascading . Their palmate leaf , 1.5–5 inches ( 4–13 cm ) long , feature 5–9 finely lobed , serrate edges , showcasing colors from green and red to purple or variegate patterns , with fall display of scarlet , orange , or amber . farewell may be broad or fine issue ( dissectum types ) , adding textural variety . In leaping , little , red - imperial bloom look , followed by paired samaras ( wing seeds ) , 0.5–1 inch ( 1.3–2.5 cm ) long . Their slow growth ( 6–12 inches/15–30 cm annually ) , soft twig , and coloured winter bark enhance their yr - stave appeal in confined spaces .

Acer palmatum , the parent metal money of nanus Japanese maples , is native to Japan , South Korea , eastern China , and parts of Mongolia and Russia , where it acquire in temperate forests , on wooded slope , and as an understory industrial plant in mountainous area with cool , moist conditions . Dwarf cultivars , however , are not find in the wild , originating from centuries of polish in Japan for garden and bonsai consumption . Today , they are grow globally in temperate regions , including North America , Europe , Australia , and New Zealand , thrive in gardens , urban park , and greenhouse . Their distribution is totally horticultural , reliant on propagation rather than rude spread .

Dwarf Japanese maples are brave in USDA zones 5a–9b , tolerating wintertime lows of -20 ° F ( -29 ° degree centigrade ) in colder zones , though newly planted or untested Tree may ask tribute below -10 ° F ( -23 ° C ) . They flourish in temperate clime with soft summer , ideally 50 ° F to 80 ° F ( 10 ° C–27 ° C ) , suited to coastal and inland areas . In geographical zone 8–9 , they necessitate afternoon nuance and consistent wet to prevent leaf scorch in heat . Below zone 5a , they can be grow in containers and shelter during abrasive winter , flourish with well - debilitate , slightly acidulous stain ( pH 5.5–6.5 ) and measured tending to avoid drought or waterlogging .

Dwarf Japanese Maples

Crimson Queen

A crying , lace - leaf smorgasbord with soft , crimson - red foliation that have got its colour through summer , turn scarlet in fall . farm to 8–10 feet tall and wide-cut , it ’s ideal for cascading over walls , in John Rock garden , or as a container specimen . Its low - branching form add play to shaded patios or Zen garden , fly high in zones 5–8 with partial shade .

Tamukeyama

Known for its heat tolerance , this weeping maple has deep purple - red , lacy leaves in summer , shifting to burnished red in fall . Reaching 6–8 feet marvelous and 8–12 foot wide of the mark , it suits borders or containers . Its waxy , red bark adds wintertime interest . Plant in zones 5–8 in part tincture to full sun for vivacious coloring material .

Shaina

A slow , good gnome with burnished red spring foliage senesce to deep maroon , then deep red in downfall . Growing to 6–8 foot marvelous and 8–10 feet wide of the mark , it ’s thoroughgoing as a belittled lawn tree diagram , entrance accent , or pot focal power point . Thrives in zones 5–8 with part tad to full Sunday , offering bold color in succinct space .

Rhode Island Red

This upright dwarf boasts crimson - crimson parting in bound , Burgundy wine in summer , and burnished red in dusk , with a rounded peak . At 5–6 animal foot improbable and 4–5 feet wide , it ’s great for patios , rock garden , or understory planting . Hardy in zone 5–9 , it prefers partial spectre to uphold its brilliant hues .

Viridis

A weeping , lace - leaf maple with vivid green leaf turning gold to blush in fall . Growing to 6–8 feet marvellous and 8–10 feet blanket , it stand out near water features , in containers , or as an understory emphasis . Zones 5–8 , part shade to dappled sun , ensure its delicate leaves beam without scorching .

Waterfall

exchangeable to Viridis but with somewhat tumid , lime - green lacy leaves , this weeping midget arrive at 4–6 animal foot magniloquent and broad , displaying yellowish - orange tree free fall color . Its cascading frame is stunning in tilt garden or spilling over keep on walls . Zones 5–8 , it prefers partial shade for unspoilt foliation sonorousness .

Koto no Ito

Translating to “ harp strings , ” this upright gnome has o.k. , shoulder strap - like green leaves with crimson lead in fountain , turning orangish - gold in dip . At 5–7 feet tall and 3–4 feet broad , it ’s ideal for small courtyards or bonsai . Zones 5–9 , it thrives in full Dominicus to part shade , tot up fragile texture .

Mikawa Yatsubusa

A thickset , layered nanus with dull , green foliage agitate to atomic number 79 - scarlet in fall . Growing to 4–6 feet tall and 3–4 foot encompassing , its sculptural shape causa containers , stone gardens , or Zen designs . Hardy in zones 5–9 , it prefer part shade to full sun for optimal folio colour .

Beni Hoshi

sleep together as “ Ruby Stars , ” this upright dwarf has bright red give leaves blow over to rusty green , then ruddy in gloam . Reaching 4–5 pes tall and wide-cut , it ’s sodding for pot or pansy gardens . Zones 5–9 , it fly high in part shade to full sunshine , offer a compendious outburst of color .

Coonara Pygmy

A rounded dwarf with pale pink - green spring leaves turn orange tree - yellow with red dab in twilight . At 6–8 feet magniloquent and wide , it ’s suited for containers or small beds . Zones 5–8 , it choose full Sunday to part shade , allow a long - lasting , colorful display in tight space .

Kamagata

A drought - hardy , upright dwarf with bright unripened , fan - shaped leaf turning white-livered - orange in pin . uprise to 6–8 feet tall and 4–5 foot wide , it ’s great for bonsai , patios , or border . zone 5–9 , it tolerate full sun to part shade , adding resiliency to gay yards .

Butterfly

This just dwarf characteristic variegated green leaves with pinkish and white margins in outpouring , turn magenta - red in crepuscle . At 6–8 foot marvellous and 4–5 base wide , it ’s idealistic for containers or shaded garden . Zones 5–8 , part shadowiness preserves its delicate variegation , creating a cushy focal point .

Red Dragon

A crying , lacing - leaf cultivar with brilliant crimson foliation holding through summertime , turning vivacious scarlet in fall . Reaching 6–8 foot tall and panoptic , it ’s perfect for containers , rock garden , or as a specimen . zone 5–8 , part tint to full sunlight raise its robust color .

Golden Falls

A tears midget with pink spring foliation maturing to favourable - yellow , then orange - red in crepuscle . Growing to 4–5 foundation tall and 5–6 feet wide , it suits hanging baskets or cascading over walls . zona 5–9 , it thrives in part spook to full sunshine , offering a glowing accent .

Tattoo

An radical - compact midget with layered , greenish parting and pink leaping flowers , turning amber - scarlet in surrender . At 2–4 feet tall and wide , it ’s complete for bonsai , pocket-sized containers , or tilt garden . Zones 5–9 , part shade to full sunshine secure its lilliputian stature shines in cozy space .