Japanese Maple

Japanese Dwarf Maple

Dwarf Japanese maple is not a species of maple; it is instead a term colloquially used for a wide range of different Japanese maple variants that have been derived from the wild Japanese maple, Acer palmatum. Their common characteristic is of course their diminutive size. The wild Japanese maple typically reaches a height of 15-40 feet, while the Japanese dwarf maple variants stay much smaller. One of the most popular dwarf Japanese maple variants are 'Beni hime' Japanese maple tree (Acer palmatum 'Beni hime'). Despite its increasing popularity, it is still quite rare and can be hard to locate in ordinary home depots.

The term Dwarf Japanese maple is sometimes also used to describe Japanese maple bonsai trees, even though bonsai is a better term than dwarf in this context. A Japanese maple bonsai is not a genetically dwarfed maple variant; it is instead a tree that stays small due to a combination of environmental factors. Japanese maple bonsai trees will stay small since they are grown in a small pot and have their roots and crowns pruned on regular basis. It is a common misconception that all forms of traditional bonsai plants are suitable for year round indoor environments. The truth is however that common bonsai species native to temperate parts of Asia, such as maples, larches and most conifers, require a dormancy season once a year to do well. Keeping them in room temperature 12 months a year is therefore not recommended.

'Beni hime' Dwarf Japanese maple use

Acer palmatum 'Beni hime' is a cultivar developed specially for garden railroads and other miniature landscapes. It is also popular in rock gardens and sometimes grown as a bonsai plant. As mentioned above, this cultivar is quite and can be hard to find in standard garden depots.

'Beni hime' Dwarf Japanese maple growth habit

This tree will stay very small and rarely exceeds 15-18 inches in height. It will take up to 10 years for this dwarf Japanese maple to reach is full stature. It is a very compact maple tree that responds well to pruning, but root pruning and top clipping are not required.

'Beni hime' Dwarf Japanese maple leaves

An Acer palmatum 'Beni hime' dwarf Japanese maple tree will grow leaves that are pink to bright red in spring. The leaves will keep their reddish margins into summer and turn into vibrant red, strong yellow and golden colours in fall. The leaves are very small and will usually stay below 1 inch in length.

'Beni hime' Dwarf Japanese maple planting

This dwarf Japanese maple tree should be planted in moist soil, but the soil must also be very well-drained since the plant is sensitive to stagnant water. If you know that your soil is poorly drained, you can either try to improve the soil or plant your dwarf Japanese maple tree in a slope where water will be transported away more efficiently. Soils rich in humus are greatly appreciated by 'Beni hime' dwarf Japanese maples.

The 'Beni hime' dwarf Japanese maple is considered to be hardy in zone 6 to 9 (USDA zones), but specimens have been successfully grown in zone 5 too. Unlike most other Japanese maple variants, the 'Beni hime' dwarf Japanese maple is quite fond of direct sun light. Full sun and sufficient air circulation can decrease the risk of early spring fungal disease. During warm summers, direct sunlight can however scorch the leaves, so planting it in an at least partially shaded location is recommended if you live in an area prone to really hot summers.

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Copyright 2006 japanese-maple.info. Header picture of red maple trees in fall From http://www.landscaping.about.com , taken by David Beaulieu.
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