
Japanese Maple North Wind
Acer palmatum 'North Wind'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
216 inches
Width
156 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Cultivated hybrid
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Acer palmatum 'North Wind' is a very cold-hardy deciduous tree, selected for its durability in harsh climates. It has an upright, vase-shaped habit with green, palmate leaves that turn brilliant orange to scarlet in fall. Developed by Iseli Nursery, this cultivar is exceptionally hardy, surviving Zone 4 winters. Its name reflects its ability to withstand cold, windy conditions. It offers a reliable structure and spectacular fall color for northern gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a partial shade location with well-draining loam soil.
- Tuck young plants into prepared planting holes, ensuring roots are spread out.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist for the first season.
- Mist foliage regularly during dry spells to prevent leaf scorch.
- Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Prune lightly in late winter to shape and remove dead branches.
Pro Tip
Ensure protection from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Prune minimally in late winter
Don't
- Avoid excessive fertilizing ❌
- Do not expose to full sun in hot climates ❌
- Steer clear of heavy pruning during the growing season ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Japanese Maple North Wind questions
What zones can Japanese Maple North Wind grow in?
Japanese Maple North Wind is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Japanese Maple North Wind deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Maple North Wind, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Japanese Maple North Wind bloom?
Japanese Maple North Wind typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Maple North Wind need full sun?
Japanese Maple North Wind does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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