Japanese Maples: The Ultimate Ornamental Tree for Year-Round Beauty

Why JAPANESE MAPLES BELONG IN EVERY GARDEN

Few trees offer as much character and four-season beauty as the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum). These elegant ornamentals bring sculptural form, bold foliage color, and a touch of serenity to any landscape. Whether you have a shady courtyard, sunny front yard, or patio container, there’s a Japanese Maple that fits beautifully.

Japanese Maples are beloved for their:

• Four-season interest: Bright spring growth, lush summer color, vivid fall foliage, and elegant winter structure.
  
  
• Versatility: Thrive in the garden, along borders, or in decorative containers.
  
  
• Manageable size: Most mature between 6 and 25 feet, perfect for small gardens and patios.
  
  
• Graceful shapes: From upright and stately to weeping and cascading.

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BEST JAPANESE MAPLES FOR COLOR & fORM

Each variety has its own personality. Here are some of our favorites you’ll find at Brownswood Nursery:

Emperor One (Acer palmatum ‘Emperor I’)
Rich crimson leaves hold color all summer, turning brilliant scarlet in fall. Upright form, 15–20 ft. tall and 15 ft. wide. 

Bloodgood (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’)
Classic burgundy foliage and clean branching. Rounded habit, 15–20 ft. tall and wide. A go-to for timeless appeal.

Tamukeyama (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Tamukeyama’)
Graceful, weeping laceleaf variety with deep purple leaves that resist fading. Cascading to 6–8 ft. tall and 8–10 ft. wide.

Coral Bark (Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’)
A true four-season standout with golden fall leaves and coral-red winter bark. Vase-shaped, 20–25 ft. tall and 15–20 ft. wide.

Hefner Red (Acer palmatum ‘Hefner Red’)
Compact and vibrant, perfect for smaller landscapes and containers. Dense form, 10–12 ft. tall and wide.

Viridis (Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Viridis’)
​Soft green, finely cut leaves turn gold and crimson in autumn. Spreading form to 6–8 ft. tall and 10–12 ft. wide - ideal for shaded spots or containers.

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Design Ideas:
​How to Use Japanese Maples in Your LandscapE

Japanese Maples work beautifully as focal points, but they also enhance garden compositions.
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Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
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• Add structure and balance with upright varieties near patios, walkways, or entryways.
  
  
• Create contrast by pairing red-leafed maples with evergreens, variegated hostas, or even colorful annual flowers.
  
  
• Go with flow - plant a weeping type like ‘Tamukeyama’ beside rocks, streams, or ponds for a natural, serene effect.
  
  
• Think container gardens: Smaller forms thrive in pots and can move with the seasons to highlight different spaces.

Pro Tip: Japanese Maples appreciate protection from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. Mulch well and water deeply in dry spells to keep roots cool and happy.

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Related Plants & Perfect Companions

Japanese Maples are stunning on their own - but they really shine when paired with complementary textures and colors. Try combining them with:

Non-Invasive Clumping Bamboo
Not surprisingly, the delicate and airy texture of bamboo pairs very well with the elegance of Japanese Maples - especially those with red or purple leaves.

Azaleas
Their spring blooms and evergreen foliage provide contrast beneath Japanese Maples.

Hydrangeas
Lush summer blooms pair beautifully with the maple’s refined foliage.

Hostas & Ferns
Perfect companions in shady gardens, adding layers of texture and cool tones.

Evergreens (like Boxwood or Cryptomeria)
Provide year-round structure and a deep green backdrop that makes maple foliage pop.

Ornamental Grasses
Their movement and fine texture balance the maple’s structure for a natural, serene look.

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DESIGN SERVICES TO BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE

Every beautiful garden starts with a plan - and we make the process fun and easy.
Whether you’re working on a cozy courtyard or a full landscape makeover, we have a service to fit your project size and style.

Garden Center Quick Sketch

Perfect for small spaces under 200 sq. ft. like patios, entryways, or foundation plantings. Meet one-on-one with a Nursery Professional at our Garden Center for an on-the-spot design session. 

Book a Quick Sketch

In-Yard Consultation
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Planning something bigger? Our In-Yard Consultation is for you! Our lead design expert will visit your property to discuss your vision and provide a design quote for your customized planting plan.

Book a Consultation

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Ready to Fall for a Japanese Maple? Visit Us!

Visit our garden center to explore these stunning varieties (and more!) in person.
 
From containers to garden centerpieces, Japanese Maples are the ultimate ornamental tree for color, character, and year-round beauty.

View All Japanese Maples