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There are two types of Japanese Maples, dissectum and palmatum. Dissectum Japanese maples are commonly referred to as weeping or lace leaf. The other type is palmatum, which includes upright varieties like the popular Bloodgood Japanese maple. Both fulfill different functions in the home landscape, but both are incredibly beautiful. Japanese Maples are by far my favorite trees. There isn’t a variety that I don’t love! How about you? Read on to find out more about these two types of Japanese Maples.
All Japanese Maples require about the same care. Some tolerate heat or sun a bit better than others and some tolerate cold or heat slightly better than others. Other than that they are very similar. They all enjoy moist, slightly acidic soil though they are adaptable. They are low maintenance and drought tolerant once they are established. Most Japanese Maples prefer USDA growing zones 5, 6, 7, and 8 and some shade, especially in zone 8.
Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’
Mature Height: 8 to 10 feet tall
Mature Width: 10 to 15 feet wide
This dwarf tree is absolutely gorgeous. With delicate lacy leaves that are crimson red for three seasons this ornamental tree can’t be beat. The branches weep down to the ground over time. Plan for this tree to function more like a large shrub in the landscape as it matures. The crimson queen is very sun tolerant.
Buy the Crimson Queen Japanese Maple online here.
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Red Dragon’
Mature Height: 6 to 8 feet tall
Mature Width: 6 to 8 feet wide
This petite Japanese Maple is great for small spaces and containers. The pretty red to purple foliage steals the show. The leaves are almost fringe-like and exceptionally beautiful. This Dissectum variety is very sun tolerant.
Red Dragon Japanese maples for sale.
Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'tamukeyama'
Mature Height: 4 to 6 feet tall
Mature Width: 10 to 15 feet wide
The tamukeyama is one of my favorite dwarf Japanese maples. It has great color and always holds up well for me in containers. It is a tough little Japanese maple with amazing color. Enjoy red and purple hues throughout the year and pretty weeping, curving branches in winter.
Check out Tamukeyama Japanese maples online.
Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'viridis'
Mature Height: 6 to 8 feet tall
Mature Width: 8 to 10 feet wide
This stunning lace leaf variety of Japanese Maple has unique vivid green foliage in spring and summer. In fall, the leaves turn vibrant yellow with kisses of red and orange. As this small tree ages the branches dance closer and closer to the ground like a green waterfall.
Shop for the Weeping Viridis Japanese Maple.
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Mature Height: 15 to 20 feet tall
Mature Width: 15 to 20 feet wide
This small shade tree is gorgeous. The deep red color of the foliage stays brilliant from season to season until the leaves fall. The bloodgood Japanese maple adds color, beauty, and major curb appeal to your front yard.
Buy Bloodgood Japanese maples online here.
Coral Bark
Acer palmatum 'Sango-kaku'
Mature Height: 15 to 20 feet tall
Mature Width: 10 to 15 feet wide
The coral bark is my favorite upright Japanese maple. You cannot beat the exceptional color palette of this spectacular tree. With coral pink to red bark year round and vibrant green to yellow leaves with hints of red, this tree is stunning. It is one of the most sun tolerant Japanese maple trees.
Coral Bark Japanese maples for sale.
Emperor
Acer palmatum 'Wolff'
Mature Height: 15 to 20 feet tall
Mature Width: 10 to 15 feet wide
This Japanese maple is similar to the bloodgood in appearance. The Emperor is considered an improved variety of Japanese maple. It has exceptional color retention under varying conditions. This variety holds up better in colder climates because of its dormancy emergence time. It comes out of dormancy about 2 weeks later than other Japanese maples.
Browse the Emperor Japanese maple tree online.
Now you know types of Japanese maples and their varieties. I really like a mixture of both in my landscape. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder and choosing the right tree for your space is all up to you and what works best in your yard. Happy planting!
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