Acer palmatum Beni hoshiDwarf “Ruby Stars” Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Introduced by Del Loucks in 1996, this unique upright dwarf is often sold a…
Acer palmatum Black HoleDeep Purple Reticulated Variegated Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Black Hole is a brand new introduction by Talon Buchholz …
Acer palmatum Black LaceDeep Maroon-Purple Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Black Lace’ is a deep dark burgundy Japanese maple with a heavily divided …
Acer palmatum Catalina yatsubusa Rare Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree Zones 5-9 Excellent for Bonsai Catalina yatsubusa is a newer selection of vari…
Acer palmatum Crimson QueenRed Weeping Laceleaf Crimson Queen Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Crimson Queen’ is a small red weeping Japanese maple. A…
Acer palmatum dissectum Flavescens Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Flavescens’ is a nice weeping laceleaf that has a bright yellow gre…
Acer palmatum Geisha Gone WildPink Variegated Japanese Maple Zones 5 – 9 Geisha Gone Wild Japanese maple was found as a variegated sport off of…
Acer palmatum dissectum Germaines GyrationLarge Cascading Germaines Gyration Contorted Laceleaf Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Germaine’s Gyration’…
Acer palmatum Golden FallsRare Golden Weeping Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Golden Falls is a brand new weeping selection of Japanese maple that ha…
Acer palmatum dissectum Goshiki shidareVariegated Weeping Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Goshiki shidare’ is neat, rare variegated Japanese maple wi…
Acer palmatum In The PinkRuslyn In The Pink Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 In the Pink, also known as Ruslyn-in-the-Pink, is an upright dwarf Jap…
Acer palmatum dissectum Inaba shidare Weeping Red Laceleaf Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Inaba shidare’ is an excellent weeping red Japanese maple….
Acer palmatum Jiro shidare Rare Jiro shidare Weeping Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Jiro shidare leafs out in the early spring with small green palma…
Acer palmatum Jubilee Jubilee Reticulated Variegated Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Jubilee has a spectacular pink reticulated variegation in the s…
Acer palmatum KamagataDwarf Green Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Kamagata is a drought-hardy upright dwarf. This tree may get 6-9 ft tall. Kamaga…
Acer palmatum Koto-no-ito Rare Koto-no-ito Japanese Harp String Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Koto-no-ito’ is an extremely fine leafed linearilobum J…
Acer palmatum Kurenai jishiDwarf Red Kurenai jishi Red Lion Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Often referred to as “the red Shishigashira”, this dwar…
Acer palmatum Lileeannes JewelRare Red Variegated Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Acer palmatum Lileeannes Jewel is a brand new introduction with…
Acer palmatum dissectum Midori-no-teiboku Midori-no-teiboku Weeping Green Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Midori-no-teiboku is a laceleaf selection wi…
Acer palmatum Mikawa yatsubusa Rare Grafted Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree Zones 5-9 Excellent for Bonsai 2015 Maple of the Year When we go visit nur…
Acer palmatum Mikawa yatsubusa Lollipop Rare Grafted Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree Zones 5-9 Excellent for Bonsai 2015 Maple of the Year When we go …
Acer palmatum dissectum Nancy’s LegacyToyama Weeping Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Nancy’s Legacy’ leafs out the early spring as a bright pink. Thi…
Acer palmatum Orange DreamOrange Dream Yellow Japanese Maple Tree Zones 5-9 Orange Dream is a beautiful Japanese maple with exceptional color…
Acer palmatum dissectum Orangeola Orangeola Weeping Laceleaf Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Orangeola’ is a beautiful multi-colored pendulous dissectu…
Japanese maples are small graceful trees prized for their beautiful foliage, seasonal color and elegant shape. While commonly grown in yards and gardens, their modest size, easy care, and ornamental qualities also make them one of the best choices for growing in containers.
When selecting a Japanese maple for a pot there are a few important factors to consider
Choosing a Variety Suited to Container Growing
With over 1000 cultivars to choose from, finding the right Japanese maple for your container can feel overwhelming To narrow down the options, focus on varieties that
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Are naturally smaller and slower growing – Under 15 feet tall at maturity is ideal. Dwarf and miniature varieties are best.
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Have an upright or mounding form – Avoid large weepers which need more room to spread out.
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Are rated for your planting zone – Maples need winter chilling so double check they are cold hardy in your area.
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Have interesting or colorful foliage – Variegated, red, laceleaf, and other unique leaf forms provide great visual interest.
Taking these traits into account, the following Japanese maple varieties are excellent candidates for pot cultivation:
The 7 Best Japanese Maples for Containers
1. Mikawa Yatsubusa
One of the most popular dwarf Japanese maples, Mikawa Yatsubusa grows slowly to be just 3-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. The small green leaves emerge early and retain good color through summer without scorching. It withstands heat and resists sunburn better than other varieties. Mikawa Yatsubusa is hardy in zones 5-9.
2. Shishigashira
Also known as the Lion’s Head Maple for its dense globe-shaped foliage, Shishigashira is another excellent compact variety topping out around 6 feet tall and wide. The leaves emerge bright green in spring then turn shades of orange and red in fall. It thrives in zones 5-9.
3. Beni Schichihenge
A new dwarf mounding variety with colorful foliage, Beni Schichihenge has layers of bright pink and green leaves reminiscent of a Japanese maple waterfall. It slowly grows to just 3 feet tall and wide, making it a perfect focal point for container gardens. Hardy in zones 5-9.
4. Crimson Queen
The classic weeping Japanese maple, Crimson Queen features deeply cut red foliage that cascades elegantly downwards. It reaches around 4 feet tall and wide at maturity – ideal dimensions for containers. As a bonus, it provides fantastic color too. Grow it in zones 5-9.
5. Orangeola
For brilliant fall color in a compact package, choose the small weepng maple Orangeola. It puts on a vivid display of orange and red foliage before dropping its leaves. Hardy to zone 5, it matures at about 6 feet tall and wide.
6. Red Dragon
Red Dragon is valued for its bright red laceleaf foliage that emerges in spring and keeps its color well throughout summer. It grows slowly into a dense mounded shrub around 10 feet tall and wide – easily controlled with pruning. A fantastic pot specimen for zones 5-9.
7. Geisha Gone Wild
Last but not least is the beautiful variegated Geisha Gone Wild. Each leaf has a pink-edged green center splashed irregularly with bright white. It grows slowly to 10 feet but its unique foliage provides great interest in a container. Hardy for zones 5-9.
Providing Proper Container Care
While Japanese maples are relatively easy-going, they do have a few specific needs when grown in pots:
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Use a wide container – Select a pot at least 2 feet wide and deep to accommodate root growth.
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Rich, acidic soil – Maple require fertile soil with a pH between 5.5-6.5. A potting mix amended with peat moss or compost works well.
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Consistent watering – Maples in pots need frequent watering to keep their shallow roots moist. The soil should never fully dry out.
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Good drainage – Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Add perlite to improve drainage if needed.
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Part shade – Dappled sun or bright shade protects the leaves from scorching. A few hours of direct sun is ok.
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Yearly fertilizer – Feed container maples with a balanced fertilizer to maintain health and vigor. Apply in early spring.
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Winter protection – Move pots to an unheated garage or basement to protect roots from extreme cold.
Handsome Focal Points for Container Gardens
In the right conditions, Japanese maples make outstanding additions to container plantings. Their gracefully shaped foliage and seasonal colors enliven decks, patios, and other garden spaces. Select a variety suited to growing in a pot and you’ll have a beautiful miniature maple to enjoy for years to come. With so many fantastic dwarf cultivars to pick from, you’re sure to find one perfect for your container garden.
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Acer palmatum Beni hoshiDwarf “Ruby Stars” Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Introduced by Del Loucks in 1996, this unique upright dwarf is often sold a…
Acer palmatum Black HoleDeep Purple Reticulated Variegated Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Black Hole is a brand new introduction by Talon Buchholz …
Acer palmatum Black LaceDeep Maroon-Purple Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Black Lace’ is a deep dark burgundy Japanese maple with a heavily divided …
Acer palmatum Catalina yatsubusa Rare Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree Zones 5-9 Excellent for Bonsai Catalina yatsubusa is a newer selection of vari…
Acer palmatum Crimson QueenRed Weeping Laceleaf Crimson Queen Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Crimson Queen’ is a small red weeping Japanese maple. A…
Acer palmatum dissectum Flavescens Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Flavescens’ is a nice weeping laceleaf that has a bright yellow gre…
Acer palmatum Geisha Gone WildPink Variegated Japanese Maple Zones 5 – 9 Geisha Gone Wild Japanese maple was found as a variegated sport off of…
Acer palmatum dissectum Germaines GyrationLarge Cascading Germaines Gyration Contorted Laceleaf Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Germaine’s Gyration’…
Acer palmatum Golden FallsRare Golden Weeping Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Golden Falls is a brand new weeping selection of Japanese maple that ha…
Acer palmatum dissectum Goshiki shidareVariegated Weeping Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Goshiki shidare’ is neat, rare variegated Japanese maple wi…
Acer palmatum In The PinkRuslyn In The Pink Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 In the Pink, also known as Ruslyn-in-the-Pink, is an upright dwarf Jap…
Acer palmatum dissectum Inaba shidare Weeping Red Laceleaf Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Inaba shidare’ is an excellent weeping red Japanese maple….
Acer palmatum Jiro shidare Rare Jiro shidare Weeping Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Jiro shidare leafs out in the early spring with small green palma…
Acer palmatum Jubilee Jubilee Reticulated Variegated Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Jubilee has a spectacular pink reticulated variegation in the s…
Acer palmatum KamagataDwarf Green Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Kamagata is a drought-hardy upright dwarf. This tree may get 6-9 ft tall. Kamaga…
Acer palmatum Koto-no-ito Rare Koto-no-ito Japanese Harp String Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Koto-no-ito’ is an extremely fine leafed linearilobum J…
Acer palmatum Kurenai jishiDwarf Red Kurenai jishi Red Lion Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Often referred to as “the red Shishigashira”, this dwar…
Acer palmatum Lileeannes JewelRare Red Variegated Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Acer palmatum Lileeannes Jewel is a brand new introduction with…
Acer palmatum dissectum Midori-no-teiboku Midori-no-teiboku Weeping Green Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 Midori-no-teiboku is a laceleaf selection wi…
Acer palmatum Mikawa yatsubusa Rare Grafted Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree Zones 5-9 Excellent for Bonsai 2015 Maple of the Year When we go visit nur…
Acer palmatum Mikawa yatsubusa Lollipop Rare Grafted Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree Zones 5-9 Excellent for Bonsai 2015 Maple of the Year When we go …
Acer palmatum dissectum Nancy’s LegacyToyama Weeping Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Nancy’s Legacy’ leafs out the early spring as a bright pink. Thi…
Acer palmatum Orange DreamOrange Dream Yellow Japanese Maple Tree Zones 5-9 Orange Dream is a beautiful Japanese maple with exceptional color…
Acer palmatum dissectum Orangeola Orangeola Weeping Laceleaf Japanese Maple Zones 5-9 ‘Orangeola’ is a beautiful multi-colored pendulous dissectu…
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Top 25 Japanese Maples For Containers | MrMaple Show Podcast
FAQ
Which Japanese maple is best for pots?
If you want to grow a Japanese Maple in a pot, look for dwarf varieties such as Butterfly, Hoshi kuzu, Pixie, Red Elf or Waterfall. There are many more dwarf varieties that can be grown in a pot.
Can I keep a Japanese maple in a container?
If there’s one tree that’s tailor-made for growing in a pot, it’s the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). Its small stature, slow growth rate, fibrous root system and elegant good looks make it the prime candidate.
What is the best maple tree for pots?
Japanese Maples are excellent ornamental trees to grow in pots. Their small stature and relatively slow rate of growth makes them perfect for containers.
What type of container is best for Japanese maple?
Choose a container with good drainage holes and a good size for your tree. The ideal soil mix for a maple in a container is one-half EB Stone Azalea Mix blended with one-half Edna’s Best Potting Soil. If you can’t mix, use straight Edna’s.
Can you grow a Japanese maple in a container?
There are lots of reasons to grow a Japanese maple in a container. You can add some height to a garden or grow a tree on an urban apartment balcony, for starters. Regardless of your motivation, the process is the same for planting and caring for these marvelous trees. To help you make it happen, here’s what we’ll discuss in the coming guide:
What is the best pot for Japanese maples?
The best pot for Japanese maples should provide adequate space for the tree’s shallow root system, have good drainage, and be sturdy enough to support the tree. These are the top things we look for when selecting a pot for Japanese maples: Size: Opt for a pot that is at least 2-3 times larger than the tree’s root ball.
Can you grow a maple tree in a container?
Yes, you can grow a maple tree in a container. You can use a large, wide planter and tuck some of these around the base of your maple for a showy single container planting, or you can give each plant its own pot and create a whole garden display. These are some of our favorite companion plants, but anything that grows well in similar conditions and in containers will work.
Can you move a potted Japanese maple indoors?
Technically, yes, you can move your potted Japanese maple indoors. Japanese maples do not always thrive in indoor settings, and there are a few challenges you’ll need to consider before moving you plant inside: Limited Light: Providing adequate light for Japanese maples indoors can be difficult.