Species
Acer palmatumJapanese Maple17 other cultivars
‘Bloodgood’Bloodgood Japanese Maple
‘Orangeola’Orangeola Japanese Maple
‘Crimson Queen’Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
‘Shidare’Weeping Japanese Maple
‘Sango-Kaku’Coral Bark Maple
‘Final Fire’Final Fire Japanese Maple
‘Esk Sunset’Esk Sunset Japanese Maple
‘North Wind’Japanese Maple North Wind
‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’Purple Cutleaf Japanese Maple
‘Ice Dragon’Ice Dragon Japanese Maple
‘Elegans’Elegans Japanese Maple
‘First Flame’First Flame Japanese Maple
‘Red Dragon’Red Dragon Japanese Maple
‘Orange Dream’Orange Dream Japanese Maple
‘Garnet’Garnet Japanese Maple
‘Beni-Kawa’Beni-Kawa Japanese Maple
‘Wowee’Wowee Japanese Maple
The Story
Plant Bio
A small deciduous tree noted for its stunning foliage. Leaves emerge a bright yellow-orange with pink margins in spring, mature to a bright green in summer, and turn brilliant shades of orange and yellow in fall.
This cultivar is particularly valued for its vibrant color throughout the growing season and its attractive, delicate leaf shape.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
180 inches
Width
120 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, prefers moist soil
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Japan, China, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-draining, slightly acidic soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds into moist soil and keep in a shaded area for germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Transplant young plants in early spring after the last frost.
- Water consistently during dry spells to prevent stress.
- Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pro Tip
Provide dappled shade to protect the delicate leaves from harsh sun.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape
- Mulch annually to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize late in the growing season
- Refrain from heavy pruning during summer
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Katsura Japanese Maple questions
What zones can Katsura Japanese Maple grow in?
Katsura Japanese Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Katsura Japanese Maple deer resistant?
Yes — Katsura Japanese Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Katsura Japanese Maple bloom?
Katsura Japanese Maple typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Katsura Japanese Maple need full sun?
Katsura Japanese Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Acer to compare
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
Orangeola Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Orangeola'
Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'
Weeping Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Shidare'
Coral Bark Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango-Kaku'
Final Fire Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Final Fire'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Katsura Japanese Maple with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.