An In-Depth Guide to 21 of the Best Japanese Maple Varieties

When you think of stunning gardens, chances are Japanese maples come to mind. These trees are uniquely elegant and vibrant, making them a popular choice for garden displays. With a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to choose from, Japanese maples offer endless options to add interest and beauty to your garden.

If you’re in the market for a Japanese maple but feel overwhelmed by the vast selection available, fear not! This guide is here to help you navigate through some of the best options out there. Whether you’re looking for a particularly hardy tree, an exceptionally beautiful variety, or something unique, you’re sure to find the perfect fit on this list.

Let’s dive into the top 21 Japanese maple varieties to learn more about these stunning trees:

21 Favorite Japanese Maple Varieties

Autumn Moon
Beni Kawa
Butterfly
Coonara Pygmy
Coral Bark
Crimson Queen
Emperor One
Green Cascade
Higasayama
Hogyoku
Koto Ito Komachi
Lion’s Mane
Osakazuki
Red Dragon
Scolopendrifolium
Seiryu
Usugumo
Velvet Viking
Villa Taranto
Viridis
Vitifolium

With such a diverse range of options, there’s a Japanese maple for every garden style and preference. Let’s explore some of these varieties in more detail:

1. Autumn Moon

If you’re looking for a showstopper, A. shirasawanum ‘Autumn Moon’ is the tree for you. With stunning foliage that transitions from yellow and orange in spring to salmony-red in summer and vibrant orange and red in fall, this tree is a true standout. Its unique, palm-like leaves and compact size make it a perfect addition to any garden in Zones 5 to 8.

2. Beni Kawa

For a tree that shines year-round, consider A. palmatum ‘Beni Kawa.’ Not only does it boast beautiful summer foliage, but its bright coral-colored bark adds interest to the winter garden. With its graceful arching growth habit and compact size, this variety thrives in Zones 5 to 9.

3. Butterfly

A. palmatum ‘Butterfly’ is a standout variety with medium-green leaves edged in silvery white. This striking contrast, along with pink new growth in spring and magenta fall color, makes it a showy addition to any garden. Ideal for Zones 6 to 8, this tree reaches up to 12 feet tall with an upright growth habit.

4. Coonara Pygmy

If you’re limited on space, A. palmatum ‘Coonara Pygmy’ is a perfect choice. With pink spring foliage transitioning to bright green in summer and vibrant red in fall, this petite tree adds a pop of color to any garden. Hardy in Zones 6 to 9, ‘Coonara Pygmy’ grows to about ten feet tall with an upright habit.

5. Coral Bark

For a tree that provides color year-round, look no further than A. palmatum ‘Sango Kaku.’ Its bright coral bark intensifies in cooler weather, while its green leaves with red margins turn brilliant yellow in fall. This striking variety, suited to Zones 5 to 8, grows up to 25 feet tall with an upright habit.

6. Crimson Queen

An incredibly popular choice, ‘Crimson Queen’ is a dwarf cultivar with elegantly weeping branches that add dimension to your garden. Its maroon to bright red foliage in partial sun and dazzling crimson fall color make it a standout variety in Zones 5 to 9.

7. Emperor One

Resembling the popular ‘Bloodgood,’ ‘Emperor One’ stands out with its upright growth habit and deep maroon to bright red foliage. Hardy in Zones 5 to 8, this stunning tree offers exceptional color and resistance to pests and diseases.

8. Green Cascade

A. japonicum ‘Green Cascade’ is an impressive full moon maple that reaches up to 20 feet tall and 25 feet wide. With its rounded, palmate foliage and bright red and yellow fall color, this tree adds a unique touch to any garden in Zones 5 to 7.

9. Higasayama

‘Higasayama’ stands out with its elegant spring display of green leaves with pink edges that transition to creamy pink before turning deep green with creamy margins. Suited to Zones 5 to 8, this upright tree reaches about 18 feet tall and adds a touch of grace to any garden.

10. Hogyoku

Known as the “Golden Jewel of Fall,” ‘Hogyoku’ offers beautiful green, yellow, and orange foliage in summer, with a stunning pumpkin orange fall color. Ideal for Zones 5 to 9, this upright tree thrives in full sun and adds a vibrant touch to the landscape.

11. Koto Ito Komachi

For a classic and lovely choice, consider ‘Koto Ito Komachi.’ With light green leaves in summer transitioning to bright orange in fall, this weeping variety adds charm to any garden. Hardy in Zones 6 to 9, ‘Koto Ito Komachi’ is a perfect addition to small spaces.

12. Lion’s Mane

Also known as ‘Shishigashira,’ ‘Lion’s Mane’ boasts deep, glossy green leaves with wrinkled margins that change to yellow and orange in fall. With its compact size and upright habit, this stunning variety is ideal for Zones 6 to 9.

13. Osakazuki

For unparalleled fall color, consider ‘Osakazuki.’ With intensely bright orange-scarlet leaves in autumn and bright green leaves in spring and summer, this tree offers a vibrant display in any garden. Suited to Zones 5 to 8, ‘Osakazuki’ reaches up to 25 feet tall with an upright, rounded shape.

14. Red Dragon

Compact and weeping, ‘Red Dragon’ offers a tidy growth habit and stunning foliage color in the fall. With dark burgundy summer leaves transitioning to luminescent red in autumn, this variety adds a pop of color to any garden in Zones 5 to 8.

15. Scolopendrifolium

For a unique choice, consider ‘Scolopendrifolium,’ also known as ‘Shinobuga Oka.’ With long, narrow lobes and striking red stems, seed pods, and blossoms, this variety adds a touch of interest to any garden. Ideal for Zones 5 to 9, ‘Scolopendrifolium’ offers a bold and contrasting look.

16. Seiryu

Standing apart from other lace-leaf maples, ‘Seiryu’ is known for its upright growth habit with green lacy leaves. With bright green foliage in spring and summer turning golden yellow in fall, this variety adds a touch of elegance to any garden in Zones 5 to 9.

17. Usugumo

For a standout choice, consider ‘Usugumo,’ a rare painted leaf batwing maple. With soft pink spring leaves that transition to variegated green in summer, this striking variety adds a unique touch to any garden. Ideal for Zones 5 to 9, ‘Usugumo’ stays under seven feet tall with an upright growth habit.

18. Velvet Viking

Despite its delicate appearance, ‘Velvet Viking’ is a sturdy and hardy variety, perfect for Zones 4 to 9. With elegant lacey leaves and bright red fall color, this dwarf cultivar adds a touch of beauty to any garden.

19. Villa Taranto

Featuring red, green, and cream-colored variegated leaves, ‘Villa Taranto’ offers a unique and eye-catching display. With deeply lobed foliage and an upright vase-shaped habit, this variety thrives in Zones 5 to 8, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.

20. Viridis

For a lacy, green Japanese maple, ‘Viridis’ is an excellent choice. Compact and graceful, this variety grows up to six feet tall and wide, with deeply lobed foliage transitioning to orange, yellow, and red in the fall. Ideal for small spaces or containers in Zones 5 to 9, ‘Viridis’ adds a touch of beauty to any garden.

21. Vitifolium

Boasting foliage reminiscent of grape leaves, ‘Vitifolium’ offers intensely gold and scarlet fall color. With beautiful burgundy flowers in spring and vivid green foliage in summer, this upright variety adds interest to any garden in Zones 5 to 7.

With such a wide array of Japanese maple varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect tree to enhance your garden. Consider the size, shape, and color preferences that best suit your space, and select a variety that complements your garden style.

Japanese maples are truly a versatile and charming addition to any landscape. Whether you’re looking for a compact tree, a showy display of fall color, or a unique foliage pattern, there’s a Japanese maple variety to suit your needs.

Do you have a favorite Japanese maple variety? We’d love to hear about your garden choices and see pictures of your stunning trees! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For more information on Japanese maple trees, be sure to check out the following guides:
– A Guide to the Different Types of Japanese Maple Trees
– How and When to Fertilize Japanese Maple Trees
– How to Propagate Japanese Maples from Seed

With their timeless beauty and captivating charm, Japanese maples are a beloved addition to any garden. Explore the diverse range of varieties available and discover the perfect tree to enhance your outdoor space. Happy gardening!