These gorgeous weeping, dwarf, and upright selections can hold up to the heat and humidity without leaf burn, all while shining with great fall color
Japanese maple ( Acerpalmatumand cvs . , Zones 6–9 ) are prize for their graceful forms , stunning foliation , and vivacious fall colours . However , garden in the southeastern United States pose unequaled challenge , particularly with heat and humidness . Fortunately , there are specific cultivar of Japanese maples that not only resist these atmospheric condition but boom in them . empathise how to originate these dainty trees requires attention to internet site selection and sustentation . By picking the right variety show and planting them with upkeep , gardener can enhance their landscapes with the beauty of these stately trees .
There are upward of a thousand Nipponese maple cultivars to cull from . When choosing , first think about where you will implant it . clear pic , ground quality , and uncommitted space should all be considered . Different cultivar showcase a range of growth substance abuse , barque colours , and leafage shapes and vividness . Below is a list of Japanese maple that roll vastly in their appearances and overall sizes , and availability at nurseries in the region was take when pick out tree to include . These really are fantabulous plants for the Southeast , and if I could only have one Japanese maple in my yard , it would come from this list .
Gorgeous Upright Japanese Maple Varieties
‘Emperor 1’ Japanese maple
Acer palmatum‘Emperor 1 ’ , Zones 5–9
A standout cultivar , ‘ Saturnia pavonia 1 ’ is known for its heat tolerance and vertical growth riding habit . This is one of the most vigorous Japanese maples usable for the Southeast . A tight - turn Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , ‘ Emperor 1 ’ volley into spring with bold red foliage that remains vivacious throughout summer , offer a stunning line against the lush greens of other industrial plant . Its leaves translate into a flack - railway locomotive red in drop , providing a spectacular display . Unlike many red maple , ‘ Emperor 1 ’ exhibit significantly less foliage burning , which means it is an excellent selection for hot and humid environments . This cultivar can attain stature of up to 15 foot , making it a versatile addition to larger garden space where it can serve as a focal degree or background .
Name parentage : This was originally introduced by Dick Wolff at Red Maple Nursery in Pennsylvania as ‘ Emperor 1 ’ in 1976 .
‘Shishigashira’ lion’s head Japanese maple
Acer palmatum‘Shishigashira ’ , Zones 5–9
Known as the “ lion ’s head maple , ” this is an old cultivar that thrives in hot climates . This tree showcases draw in , wring foliage that provides both optical sake and resilience , with favourable - orangeness fall color that is consistent class after year . Its unique structure create an heart - catching silhouette in the wintertime month , raise the seasonal appeal of the garden . ‘ Shishigashira ’ is less probable to suffer from leaf burn in full sun compare to other varieties , making it an excellent choice for sunny spots .
Name source : The name “ lion ’s head ” discover the unique writhen shape of the leaves , which can resemble the mane of a lion , and suggests strength and stateliness . The translation refers to the head of a specific female lion type in Japanese dramatic play .
‘ Seiryu ’ Nipponese maple
Acer palmatum‘Seiryu ’ , district 5–9
‘ Seiryu ’ is a unique , upright lace - folio variety renowned for its noteworthy maturation pace and passion tolerance . The exquisitely break down foliage presents a beautiful gloomy - light-green hue that change over clip . As this tree mature , it develops a spectacular flesh that stands out in any setting . In fall , ‘ Seiryu ’ transforms to a rich chocolate Bourgogne , adding a delightful stratum of color to the fall landscape . This cultivar ’s adaptability makes it a fantastical choice for gardener looking to introduce a dramatic element to their design .
Name origin:‘Seiryu ’ combinesseimeaning “ blue ” or “ green ” andryumeaning “ flying lizard , ” making the transformation “ low - green dragon . ”
‘ Tsukasa Silhouette ’ columnar Nipponese maple
Acer palmatum‘Tsukasa Silhouette ’ , zone 5–9
A stunning maple that stand out with its narrow-minded , upright shape , ‘ Tsukasa Silhouette ’ reaches tiptop of 15 to 20 understructure while maintaining a graceful breadth of just 4 foot , especially with thoughtful pruning . This cultivar is in particular heat energy patient of , exhibiting minimal foliage burn even in warm climates , making it a resilient choice for garden . In fall , it captivates with a striking video display of mottled yellow and orangish hues that arrives subsequently in the time of year than that of many other Nipponese maples . This provides a prolonged burst of color that enhances any landscape painting . Its elegant silhouette and vibrant fall leaf make this tree diagram a standout choice for smaller space in the garden .
Name descent : Introduced in Japan by Yutaka Tanaka in 2008 and nominate by nurserymen Don Shadow , Tsukasa is the baby’s room of origin and “ silhouette ” describes its svelte form .
Weeping Japanese Maple Varieties for the South
‘Tamukeyama’ weeping red Japanese maple
Acer palmatum‘Tamukeyama ’ , Zones 5–9
This is a authoritative weeping lace - foliage Japanese maple that adds elegance to any garden . With a vigorous ontogeny rate , reaching about 8 feet in top and width over ten years , it ’s perfect for creating cascade essence in landscape design . The deep lob , red - purple leave-taking maintain their colouration even in full sun , furnish a spectacular contrast to easy - colored plant . ‘ Tamukeyama ’ is particularly suited for adding texture and movement to garden beds , and its weeping form create it an excellent selection for container plantings or as a focal point in a Japanese - revolutionise garden .
Name pedigree : Tamukeyamameans “ hands fold up in prayer on the mountain . ”
‘Ryusen’ Japanese maple
Acer palmatum‘Ryusen ’ , zone 5–9
Another exceptional cultivar , ‘ Ryusen ’ is known for its strong weeping habit . This tree ’s leaf holds up unusually well in full sun , maintaining its vivacious colour throughout the growing season . ‘ Ryusen ’ can be stake to accomplish a want garden height , or it can be go out without stake to spread out and operate as a ground book binding . This versatility allows for creative garden design , have it an splendid addition to John Rock gardens , slopes , or sundry borders where a dangling consequence is desire .
Name origin : Ryusenmeans “ feed spring or stream . ” This get the graceful , weep substance abuse of the tree , evoking the image of piddle flowing softly .
Dwarf Japanese Maples for Southern Gardens
‘Kiyohime’ dwarf Japanese maple
Acer palmatum‘Kiyohime ’ , zone 5–9
For those attempt a low - farm option,‘Kiyohime ’ is a delightful choice . This dwarf cultivar is celebrated for its coloured spring display , with leaves that emerge outlined in Bolshevik before transition to a rich green throughout the grow time of year . Typically attain only 3 to 4 feet in height and twice as panoptic , ‘ Kiyohime ’ is ideal for small garden or as a wizard accent in larger landscapes . Its compact physical body and resilience in the heat make it a stock favourite among southeasterly gardener , ply year - round of drinks interest with minimal maintenance .
Name origin : Kiyohimemeans “ pure princess ” or “ clean princess . ” The name reflects a sense of nuance , highlighting the cultivar ’s soft stunner . Also , this is the name of a celebrated female antagonist in Japanese lit .
‘Tamukeyama’ Japanese maple’s lacey, see-through, wine-colored foliage lends this classic weeping cultivar elegance.Photo: Jennifer Benner
‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’ dwarf Japanese maple
Acer palmatum‘Mikawa Yatsubusa ’ , zone 5–9
Finally , ‘ Mikawa Yatsubusa ’ is a deary among Japanese maple enthusiasts for its unique layered leaves and dwarf stature . This cultivar is in particular far-famed for its resiliency against leafage tan , thriving even in full sun . Its compact form reaches about 3 to 4 feet tall in 10 years ( larger over time ) , making it perfect for smaller space or container gardening . In downslope , ‘ Mikawa Yatsubusa ’ displays a stunning orange - gold color , enhancing its entreaty and providing twelvemonth - round interest group .
Name origin : Mikawarefers to a region in Japan . Yatsubusameans “ eight layers ” or “ piled , ” show the unique , layered social system of its folio .
‘Emperor 1’ exhibits bright red foliage that is less likely than that of its counterparts to burn in harsh sun.Photo: Jack Coyier
Tips for Growing Japanese Maples in the Southeast
Here are some guidelines for mature Japanese maple in the heat and humidity of the Southeastern United States :
1 . Research cultivarsfor your specific growing conditions and choose sagely .
2 . Do n’t leave Nipponese maples to their own gimmick ; disingenuous and carful pruning when trees are untested will lead to better count plants later . Removing dense interior growth can to boot ameliorate the air social movement through the trees . This can deter fungous disease .
‘Shishigashira’ lion’s head Japanese maple features upright branches of curled foliage.Photo: David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3 . Watch out for reflective heat . Reflective surface like promising clean sidetrack , deoxyephedrine , or rock that continue heat can lead to leaf or root burn of Japanese maples .
4 . Do n’t plant too deeply . Ensure you’re able to clearly see the root flare on Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ; do n’t be afraid to implant slenderly above grad .
5 . ascertain tooth root at the time of planting . It is not unusual for containerized plants to have root defects , let in girdle roots . Correct these at planting time .
‘Seiryu’ Japanese maple’s fine chartreuse growth deepens to a dark red in autumn.Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
6 . Water on a regular basis until administration . Once established , you’re able to foreclose some leafage - burn by give plant life supplementary water during draw out ironic spells .
Growing Japanese maples in the Southeast can be a deeply rewarding experience , take into account gardener to enjoy the beauty and diversity of these remarkable trees . When incorporate Japanese maples into your garden design , consider their unique forms , colors , and growth habit . By choosing the proper cultivars and providing the right care , you could make a stunning landscape filled with people of color and elegance , insure that your Nipponese maples thrive in the Southern warmth and humidness . adopt these enchant trees and watch your garden transform into a serene oasis of beauty and tranquility .
Andy Pulte is a faculty member in the plant sciences section at the University of Tennessee .
‘Tamukeyama’ has deeply merlot foliage that maintains good color throughout the growing season.Photo: Jennifer Benner
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The bright chartreuse coloring of this weeping maple holds its color in full sun.Photo: Jack Coyier
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The foliage of ‘Kiyohime’ spreads wide like a skirt, but the tree never reaches taller than about 4 feet.Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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The dwarf stature of ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’ and its slow growth rate makes it perfect for container gardening.Photo: Jack Coyier
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