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Have you always been fascinated with Japanese maples but thought you did not have the room, or that they were too difficult to grow? There are many varieties available to suit just about every garden size and style. See how you can add these graceful beauties to your landscape.
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 When I look at Japanese maples, I see living masterpieces of art. It is as if they represent the pinnacle of tree evolution. All the other trees must be quietly jealous. I was fortunate to inherit a large specimen when I bought my house - it is the focal point of my front garden. Like adding side stones to a precious diamond ring, I have been adorning my garden with smaller varieties over the past seven or so years.
 | | Palmate Leaves on Seedling J. Maple |
For a good overview of Japanese maples, see Todd Boland's article. Smaller Japanese maples allow the gardener the option to use this tree in many of the same areas that would be used for shrubs, or even perennials. They can be used as a stand-alone specimen, focal point or part of a mixed border or woodland setting. As with the larger ones, there are sun tolerant varieties, though most prefer part shade and relief from the harsh midday sun. Similarly, other cultural considerations are the same for all sizes. The soil must be well drained and protection from strong winds is advisable.  | 'Shigitatsu sawa' in Spring
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When choosing varieties, consider size, shape - upright vs. weeping, summer color - red/purple vs. green, and leaf type, which ranges from the deeply 'cut' dissectums or 'lace-leafs', to the wide palmatums, which resemble 'typical' maple leaves. 
| Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'
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Shape and size of the weepers depend in large part on the height of the graft. Most Japanese maples have the wood of the particular cultivar (scion) grafted to the hardy rootstock - Acer palmatum. The height of this graft can be anywhere from inches above soil level to around 30 inches high. Sara Monte, of Wildwood Farm (Watchdog) in Kenwood, California, says there are a number of reasons for choosing either a 'high' or 'low' graft when selecting a dissectum. "A high graft will create a showy tree a bit sooner, and is necessary when using cultivars with long branches, such as 'Octopus'. It will also give 'instant height' when the maple is sited near lower plantings." 
| Pond -'Tamukeyama' (Red) & 'Washi no o' (Green)
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Monte, who runs the maple nursery with her husband Ricardo and son Joe, says low grafts are suited for situations where the gardener wants an immediate 'drape effect'. This can be in terrace or rock gardens, or even in containers. Another important distinction, Monte adds, is that "whether in the ground or in containers, a lower graft will allow the trunk to develop with bends and twists, giving a more individual and dramatic look."  | Clematis 'Huldine' Climbing 'Tamukeyama'
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I have used the smaller varieties in mixed beds, combining them with plants with contrasting leaf shapes and complementary colors. I consider the color of the maple in each of the three growing seasons when deciding where to plant it. Many have a distinct look in each season, so I will try to find a spot where the combination will work in all three. For example, above the waterfall of my pond I have 'Tamukeyama'. It is a dissectum that both grows upward and cascades (picture a tall 'Cousin It', or look at the top photo!) Near it I have 'Karl Foerster' grass, a Viburnum dentatum 'Blue Muffin', a Heptacodium miconioides, and in the background is a large blue spruce. About five feet away is a dwarf Colorado spruce and a Fothergilla 'Mt. Airy'. 
| 'Aratama' in Fall
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The spruces provide a wonderful color contrast all season long. The viburnum and heptacodium provide foliage contrast and a steady green against the varying shades of red/purple/green of the maple. The grass provides a foil by standing straight up next to the weeping maple. The movement in the slightest breeze adds to the movement of the water. Finally, when the maple turns a brilliant scarlet in fall, the color is echoed by the red/orange tones of the fothergilla and contrasted with the viburnum, which fades to yellow. If I am lucky, there are still some red calyxes left on the heptacodium as well.  | Fern color echoed in 'Inaba shidare' veins.
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I recently limbed up my large red Japanese maple and underplanted it this past fall with six smaller varieties. I tried to pick ones that will complement each other throughout the seasons. They are 'Corallinum', 'Aratama', 'Green Mist', 'Skeeter's Broom', 'Shidava Gold' and 'Octopus'. Hopefully they will provide a soothing mixture of form, texture, color and habit from spring through fall and will be the little diamonds surrounding my large gem.  | 'Corallinum' in Spring
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Smaller Japanese maples pair very well with dwarf conifers as well. Silver, gold or light blue-needled conifers set off the reds or dark greens nicely. The more palmate leaved varieties will provide a better contrast in texture with finer needled conifers. 
| 'Tamukeyama' in Fall
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Japanese maples put on their best displays in spring and fall. In effect, the entire tree becomes one large bloom. With that in mind, choose your location and what plants you want nearby. Try to avoid locating them near plants that will distract from their show. For example, don't put a maple that has pinkish spring tones next to a pink flowering shrub that blooms around the same time the maple foliage emerges. Remember that with these beauties, the foliage is the flower.  | 'Inaba shidare' with Hydrangea and Dicentra
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The maple color can vary from year to year. In more overcast summers, my 'Tamukeyama', which is in full sun, will retain more of its deep red coloration. More sun results in more green. Fall color is also dependent on a number of weather related factors. This past year was one of the most spectacular in memory for maples, and Japanese maples in particular, in my area of New York.  | 'Shigitatsu sawa' in Fall
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I hope you will consider gracing your garden with these elegant, petite trees. They will add a quality of timeless beauty. Photos: All photos by the author in his garden. Top photo is 'Tamukeyama' in June. See more Japanese maple photos in PlantFiles. Special thanks to Sara Monte, of Wildwood Farm.
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My background is in engineering, but these days I am a stay at home dad. I have always loved Nature, but had no idea when I bought my house that I would become the gardening fanatic that I have. Gardening both stimulates and relaxes me, appeals to all my senses and gives me the privilege to be part of the Nature I love.
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Subject: Leggy Jap. Maple - "Bloodgood"
Posted by OlderGardner (from Richmond, VA) on February 25, 2008 at 2:23 PM:My 15 year old jap. maple has gotten leggy. How much and when can I cut it back "hard" to promote bushiness? Thanks. ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on February 25, 2008 at 2:34 PM: Best time for major pruning is dormant season before sap starts to run. Probably too late for you now. But if you're talking about a few branches, you can do it after the leafing out is completely over. ...
Subject: Great article!
Posted by plantladylin (from Daytona Beach, FL) on February 19, 2008 at 4:40 PM:Great article, Beautiful photo's! I too find the Japanese Maple's to be masterpieces of art! Whenever we've ever traveled to an area that has these trees I am always "drawn" to them for some reason. I would love to find a variety that would grow and thrive in my area but have been told none of them do well here. They are such beautiful trees!
Thank you so much for your wonderful article! ... Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on February 19, 2008 at 5:47 PM: Victor, thanks for an insightful and beautifully photographed article! The images of your garden are inspiring. :-) ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on February 19, 2008 at 7:19 PM: Thank you! ... Posted by grampapa (from Wheatfield, NY) on February 19, 2008 at 7:21 PM: Ah, Victor! you've captured me again. but where can I put another one. very little shade...lots of wind. I do have a spot in mind for one in a pot. some day, but not this year. I still can't figure how you grow every plant in Michael Dirr's books on your property. somehow you cheat ;0)
just beautiful! ... jan ... Posted by McGlory (from Southeast, NE) on February 19, 2008 at 10:45 PM: Oh, to be just one zone warmer! Sigh. I'd love a couple of these beauties. Thanks, Victor. ... Posted by girlgroupgirl (from Atlanta, GA) on February 20, 2008 at 9:30 PM: I am hoping to someday add more japanese maples to our garden, and I really like them on the scale you have written about. So helpful,
Thank-you
girlgroupgirl ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on February 20, 2008 at 9:33 PM: Thanks ladies. Jan - that's funny since I only bought my first Dirr book (Viburnums) a few weeks ago. I wish I could cheat some more space somehow. ... Posted by Sofonisba (from Putnam County, NY) on February 25, 2008 at 12:13 PM: I loved your article Victor! What a bunch of beauties you have there. ... Posted by EdsB (from Horsham, PA) on March 2, 2008 at 11:14 PM: I have a Japanese maple thats no taller then 3 foot high that resides next to my driveway. It does very well there but poor planning on my part when my brother gave it to me has now started to become a problem. The tree has weeped over some low bushes next to it but the real issue is that I have to cut back the branches thst move towards the driveway , the car and the walking ability next to the car. Unfortunately, I am very afraid to try to move this tree for fear of killing it. Thebranches are maybe 4 foot in one direction and possibly 6 feet in the other. Any suggestions on moving it or should I just enjoy it as is? ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on March 3, 2008 at 8:41 AM: Hi,
How old is the tree? I have moved J. maples successfully. They are generally shallow rooted. If you are dead against moving it, you can selectively remove branches. Can you send a photo? ...
Subject: Wonderful article!
Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on February 19, 2008 at 6:14 AM:Well written - lovely descriptions, interesting information (high vs low grafts) and beautiful photos! 'Tamukeyama' has been on my wish list for a long time and your fall photo of this beauty is outstanding. ... Posted by debilu (from Fingerlakes Region, NY) on February 19, 2008 at 7:38 AM: Great article Victor, and the timing is great too, as I sit and stare out the window trying to find the right spot for the 3 JM's I just ordered. I'm going to redo an area, the only thing I'm committed to in the area is an old lilac tree and some azalea shrubs. I think your comment about Spring JM color and Spring flowering shrubs will help me decide. Thanks! ... Posted by Lily_love (from Vincent, AL) on February 19, 2008 at 9:37 AM: Great article! One that deserves bookmark for future referrence. Thanks Victor.
... Posted by Todd_Boland (from St. John's, NL) on February 19, 2008 at 11:37 AM: Enjoyed this Victor! Nice compliment to my Intro one! (now I have to learn how to embed photos in the text....)
Todd ... Posted by gabagoo (from Yonkers, NY) on February 19, 2008 at 11:38 AM: Thanks, Victor!
I love these trees. Especially in the fall. The colors are spectacular!
Nancy ... Posted by Seandor (from Springfield, MA) on February 19, 2008 at 11:54 AM: We had a lovely one in the front yard in Kamloops BC. Maybe I should get another :-) ... Posted by pollyk (from Hannibal, NY) on February 19, 2008 at 4:16 PM: Wonderful article Victor, and the pictures weren't half bad either :) ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on February 19, 2008 at 4:23 PM: Thanks all! I appreciate it. ... Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on February 19, 2008 at 7:20 PM: Victor - this was a superb article, both in information but in presentation - both my husband and I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you!
... Posted by Sharran (from Calvert City, KY) on February 19, 2008 at 8:26 PM: Ahhhh, Victor. I am so jealous! A great article, but what a lovely garden! ...
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