The Ultimate Guide to Dwarf Japanese Maple Varieties

When it comes to making a big statement in a small space, the Japanese maple is an excellent choice. These compact trees can fit into tiny spots but have a significant impact on any garden. If you’re looking to add a splash of color and texture to your landscape, dwarf Japanese maples are the way to go.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 17 of the best dwarf Japanese maple varieties that are perfect for small gardens, pots, or even larger landscapes. These trees come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them versatile additions to any garden. So let’s dive in and discover the beauty of these incredible trees!

What Makes a Dwarf Japanese Maple?

Before we delve into the list of varieties, let’s first understand what exactly qualifies as a dwarf Japanese maple. While there is no official height limit, for our purposes, we’ll consider any tree under 10 feet tall when mature as a dwarf variety. These trees are perfect for smaller spaces and can even be grown in pots.

All the trees mentioned in this list thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8 unless stated otherwise. Now, let’s explore some of the most popular dwarf Japanese maple varieties that you can add to your garden.

1. Crimson Queen

First on our list is the captivating ‘Crimson Queen.’ This variety features a dramatic weeping shape with compact foliage that requires little to no pruning. The red leaves of ‘Crimson Queen’ are striking and heavily serrated, resembling thin strips of red lace. It’s a slow grower, reaching about 10 feet wide and tall after 20 years.

To add this royal beauty to your garden, consider getting a two- to three-foot-tall tree from Nature Hills Nursery.

2. Elizabeth

Discovered by renowned Japanese maple breeder Skeeter Rod, ‘Elizabeth’ is a unique variety with bright red leaves that transition to lime green and red in the summer. Named after his wife, this compact, slow-growing tree reaches five feet tall and three feet wide in about 10 years.

You can find ‘Elizabeth’ plants in one- and three-gallon containers at Maple Ridge Nursery.

3. Fireball

For those in Zone 4b looking for a dwarf Japanese maple, ‘Fireball’ is an excellent choice. This unique variety, discovered as a witches’ broom in New Jersey, features bright red leaves with an upright habit. It grows to about five feet tall and three feet wide in 15 years.

Head to Maple Ridge Nursery to choose from plants available in one- and three-gallon containers.

4. Germaine’s Gyration

With twisting, turning branches reminiscent of a contorted filbert, ‘Germaine’s Gyration’ is a showstopper in the garden. This tree grows up to seven feet tall and 12 feet wide with bright green leaves that turn orange in the fall.

Find your dance partner at Fast Growing Trees with ‘Germaine’s Gyration.’

5. Inaba Shidare

Featuring bright red foliage and deeply lobed, serrated leaves, ‘Inaba Shidare’ is a striking weeping variety that grows up to eight feet tall. This fast-growing tree will make a bold statement in any garden.

Grab one of these stunning trees at Maple Ridge Nursery.

6. Jeddeloh Orange

With lacy, serrated leaves that start orange before turning green with orange highlights, ‘Jeddeloh Orange’ is a weeping variety that reaches eight feet tall and six feet wide. Watch it transition to brilliant orange-gold in the fall.

Nature Hills Nursery is the place to find ‘Jeddeloh Orange’ for your garden.

7. Karasugawa

Known for its dramatic spring foliage that transitions from pink to white, ‘Karasugawa’ is an eye-catching variety. This upright tree reaches under eight feet and features leaves with speckles of white and green.

Nab this beauty at Nature Hills Nursery.

8. Orion

‘Orion’ offers a weeping constellation of leaves in a compact form, growing four feet tall and seven feet wide. The vibrant red leaves of ‘Orion’ change colors throughout the seasons, making it a standout in any garden.

Find ‘Orion’ trees in one- and three-gallon containers at Maple Ridge Nursery.

9. Red Filigree Lace

Known for its finely cut, delicate leaves, ‘Red Filigree Lace’ features heavily serrated, thin red leaves. This variety reaches four feet tall and five feet wide and retains its vibrant color even in partial shade.

Add a touch of lace to your garden with a tree from Maple Ridge Nursery.

10. Rhode Island Red

A compact version of the popular ‘Bloodgood,’ ‘Rhode Island Red’ boasts crimson red leaves that transition to burgundy in the summer. This six-foot-tall tree features large, palmate foliage perfect for smaller spaces.

Pick up a ‘Rhode Island Red’ from Japanese Maples and Evergreens for a petite addition to your garden.

11. Ryusen

‘By far, one of the most unique Japanese maples, ‘Ryusen’ features arching branches that create a waterfall effect in the garden. Growing to eight feet tall with a few feet spread, this tree’s soft red-orange foliage is a sight to behold.

Add ‘Ryusen’ to your garden collection with a purchase from Japanese Maple and Evergreens on Amazon.

12. Skeeter’s Broom

Bred from a witch’s broom found on the ‘Bloodgood’ variety, ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ offers a narrow, upright growth habit with bushy, dense foliage. This petite tree reaches six feet tall and three to four feet wide, showcasing vibrant red and purple leaves throughout the seasons.

Head to Nature Hills Nursery to bring ‘Skeeter’s Broom’ home to your garden.

13. Spring Delight

True to its name, ‘Spring Delight’ features neon green foliage tipped in bright crimson in the spring. This graceful, weeping variety transitions to yellow and orange in the fall, adding a burst of color to any garden.

Find ‘Spring Delight’ trees in one- and three-gallon containers at Maple Ridge Nursery.

14. Summer Gold

A standout in the summer months, ‘Summer Gold’ offers vibrant yellow-gold leaves with red borders. This upright variety retains its color even in full sun and transitions to bold reddish-orange in the fall.

Discover the beauty of ‘Summer Gold’ with a tree from Maple Ridge Nursery.

15. Tamukeyama

A popular choice for centuries, ‘Tamukeyama’ is a heat-tolerant, vigorous, and hardy variety with burgundy leaves in the spring and summer. As a weeping type under eight feet tall, ‘Tamukeyama’ is a timeless addition to any garden.

Purchase a ‘Tamukeyama’ tree from Fast Growing Trees to add this classic variety to your landscape.

16. Viridis

For a head-turning option, consider ‘Viridis’, a cascading variety with bright chartreuse leaves. This stunning tree features delicate, heavily serrated palmate leaves that transition to golden-yellow and orange in the fall.

Nab a mature ‘Viridis’ tree from Fast Growing Trees for an enchanting addition to your garden.

17. Waterfall

Last but not least, ‘Waterfall’ offers a weeping, pendulous form with large green leaves that turn orange in the fall. This container-friendly tree can grow up to 12 feet tall but remains at a manageable size when restricted.

Bring home a ‘Waterfall’ tree from Fast Growing Trees for a cascading focal point in your garden.

Small Trees, Big Impact

Dwarf Japanese maples may be small, but their impact in the garden is anything but. These versatile trees come in a range of colors and shapes, making them perfect for any landscape. Whether you prefer a weeping variety or an upright cultivar, there’s a dwarf Japanese maple for every garden.

So, which variety caught your eye? Are you leaning towards a laceleaf or a more traditional maple? Share your plans and preferences in the comments below. And don’t forget to explore more guides on growing and caring for Japanese maples to create a stunning garden oasis.

Remember, when it comes to adding beauty and charm to your garden, dwarf Japanese maples are a perfect choice. Happy gardening!