14 Stunning Varieties of Japanese Maple Trees You Need to Know
Japanese maple trees are the crown jewels of any garden, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you’ll find a variety that fits your aesthetic and care level. Here are 14 stunning varieties to consider:
Table of Contents
- Green Japanese Maple
- Autumn Moon Japanese Maple
- Purple Ghost Japanese Maple
- Viridis Japanese Maple
- Butterfly Japanese Maple
- Shaina Japanese Maple
- Shishigashira Japanese Maple
- Ukigumo Japanese Maple
- Fireglow Japanese Maple
- Waterfall Japanese Maple
- Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple
- Emperor 1 Japanese Maple
- Osakazuki Japanese Maple
- Sango Kaku Japanese Maple
1. Green Japanese Maple
The classic green Japanese maple is a garden staple, known for its vibrant green leaves that turn golden in the fall.
Best For: Traditional gardens
Care Level: Easy
Unique Feature: Classic beauty
2. Autumn Moon Japanese Maple
This variety boasts orange-yellow leaves that resemble a harvest moon.
Best For: Adding a pop of color
Care Level: Moderate
Unique Feature: Autumnal hues
3. Purple Ghost Japanese Maple
With its dark purple leaves, this variety adds a mysterious touch to any garden.
Best For: Modern landscapes
Care Level: Moderate
Unique Feature: Haunting beauty
4. Viridis Japanese Maple
Known for its weeping form and bright green leaves, Viridis is a showstopper.
Best For: Small gardens
Care Level: Easy
Unique Feature: Weeping form
5. Butterfly Japanese Maple
This variety is named for its delicate, butterfly-like leaves.
Best For: Romantic gardens
Care Level: Moderate
Unique Feature: Delicate leaves
6. Shaina Japanese Maple
Compact and bushy, Shaina is perfect for small spaces.
Best For: Container gardening
Care Level: Easy
Unique Feature: Compact size
7. Shishigashira Japanese Maple
Also known as the “Lion’s Head,” this variety has crinkled leaves and a unique form.
Best For: Japanese gardens
Care Level: Moderate
Unique Feature: Lion’s mane leaves
8. Ukigumo Japanese Maple
This “Floating Cloud” maple offers variegated leaves for a dreamy appearance.
Best For: Ethereal gardens
Care Level: Moderate
Unique Feature: Variegated leaves
9. Fireglow Japanese Maple
As the name suggests, this variety glows a fiery red, especially when backlit by the sun.
Best For: Dramatic landscapes
Care Level: Easy
Unique Feature: Fiery glow
10. Waterfall Japanese Maple
This cascading variety offers a waterfall-like effect, perfect for adding movement to your garden.
Best For: Zen gardens
Care Level: Moderate
Unique Feature: Cascading form
11. Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple
Known for its deep red, almost purple leaves, this variety is a stunner.
Best For: Bold gardens
Care Level: Moderate
Unique Feature: Deep red leaves
12. Emperor 1 Japanese Maple
This variety is known for its resistance to harsh conditions, making it a durable choice.
Best For: Harsh climates
Care Level: Easy
Unique Feature: Weather resistance
13. Osakazuki Japanese Maple
Famous for its brilliant fall colors, Osakazuki is a must-have for autumn lovers.
Best For: Fall gardens
Care Level: Easy
Unique Feature: Brilliant autumn colors
14. Sango Kaku Japanese Maple
Also known as the “Coral Bark Maple,” this variety offers stunning coral-colored bark in winter.
Best For: Year-round interest
Care Level: Moderate
Unique Feature: Coral bark
There you have it, 14 Japanese maple varieties to make your garden a living work of art. Whether you’re looking for bold colors, unique forms, or easy care, there’s a Japanese maple for you.
