Name: Kotohime Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Kotohime'
Brand: Island Ornamentals
Price: 90.0 CAD
Availability: InStock

Potted bonsai tree on a white background

Green and orange Japanese maple bonsai tree on a white background

Kotohime Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Kotohime'

$90.00

One of the most beloved and classic dwarf Japanese maples, prized for decades by collectors and enthusiasts. 'Kotohime' (meaning "little princess") features exceptionally small leaves that create an incredibly refined,...

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INTERNATIONAL	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL	XXXL
EUROPE	32	34	36	38	40	42	44
US	0	2	4	6	8	10	12
CHEST FIT (INCHES)	28"	30"	32"	34"	36"	38"	40"
CHEST FIT (CM)	716	76	81	86	91.5	96.5	101.1
WAIST FIR (INCHES)	21"	23"	25"	27"	29"	31"	33"
WAIST FIR (CM)	53.5	58.5	63.5	68.5	74	79	84
HIPS FIR (INCHES)	33"	34"	36"	38"	40"	42"	44"
HIPS FIR (CM)	81.5	86.5	91.5	96.5	101	106.5	111.5
SKORT LENGTHS (SM)	36.5	38	39.5	41	42.5	44	45.5

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We guarantee your plants will arrive healthy and thriving

Grown In Japan

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We Ship Anywhere In Canada

Your plants will be safely and securely delivered by UPS

Imported directly from Japan in full compliance with Canada’s strict Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) import requirements, including site inspection, phytosanitary plant inspection, and final inspection at Canadian customs, then carefully acclimated to Canadian growing conditions.

Cultivar

'Kotohime'

One of the most beloved and classic dwarf Japanese maples, prized for decades by collectors and enthusiasts. 'Kotohime' (meaning "little princess") features exceptionally small leaves that create an incredibly refined, delicate texture rarely matched by other cultivars. The fresh green spring and summer foliage provides a clean, elegant appearance before transforming to brilliant golden-yellow with orange and red highlights in fall. Develops a naturally dense, compact upright form with tight branching, reaching only 6-8 feet tall by 4-6 feet wide at maturity. The very slow growth rate and refined structure make it one of the most manageable and rewarding dwarf maples to grow. Perfect for small gardens, containers, rock gardens, Japanese gardens, or bonsai culture. The miniature leaves and compact habit make it ideal for entryways, patios, or anywhere you want a refined focal point that can be appreciated up close. Excellent for training and shaping due to responsive branching. An essential cultivar for collectors of dwarf maples and anyone seeking a classic, proven performer with exceptional refinement in a compact package. One of the finest dwarf Japanese maples ever introduced.

Cutting-Grown Bonsai Japanese Maples

Our cutting-grown bonsai Japanese maples are carefully cultivated for bonsai enthusiasts seeking authentic material with excellent branching structure, refined foliage, and responsive training characteristics. Each tree is grown from select cuttings to ensure true-to-type cultivar traits and superior bonsai potential. Some trees are grown at our Vancouver Island nursery, while select rare cultivars are imported directly from Japan.

Bonsai Size Chart

Size Grade	Trunk Width	Plant Height	Container
Starter	1/4"–1/2"	4"-12"	Japanese bonsai pot included

Trunk width measured at base. Sizes are approximate and vary by cultivar and growing conditions.

Why Cutting-Grown Material?

True cultivar genetics: Exact replication of parent plant characteristics including leaf shape, color, and growth habit
Responsive to training: Excellent back budding and leaf reduction when properly maintained
Beautiful nebari potential: With early work on the root system you can achieve near-perfect nebari (visible surface roots)
Clean, seamless trunk: Cutting-grown material provides a clean trunk with no unsightly graft union

Bonsai Characteristics

Japanese maples are among the most popular deciduous bonsai species, offering:

Delicate, palmate or dissected foliage in red, green, purple, or variegated tones
Excellent leaf reduction with proper defoliation techniques
Fine twig development and natural ramification
Stunning seasonal color transitions from spring emergence through autumn display
Elegant winter silhouette showcasing branch structure
Adaptability to multiple bonsai styles: informal upright, slanting, cascade, forest, and more

Care & Cultivation

Japanese maple bonsai thrive with proper attention to light, water, and seasonal protection. They prefer bright, filtered light with protection from intense afternoon sun, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and shelter from harsh winter winds. Regular pruning during the growing season encourages back-budding and maintains compact form.

Black and white Japanese maple bonsai illustration

Typical Japanese Maple bonsai development

Cultivated with care. Our cutting-grown bonsai Japanese maples are either grown at our Vancouver Island nursery or imported from select growers in Japan, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to continue their bonsai journey in your collection.

Note: Origin (nursery-grown or Japan import) is indicated on the badge above the plant description. Foliage color, trunk character, and branching structure vary by cultivar and development stage. Individual tree specifications are listed in the product details above. Container type and exact sizing confirmed at time of shipment.

Plant Details

Botanical Name

Acer palmatum 'Kotohime'

Hardiness Zones

5-8

Mature Height

2-4 ft. tall (unpruned)

Mature Width

1-2 ft. wide (unpruned)

Sun Needs

Partial shade to filtered sun (morning sun preferred, protect from hot afternoon sun)

Water Needs

Moderate to high - consistent moisture essential for dwarf cultivars

Growth Rate

Very slow (3-6 inches per year)

Defining Characteristic

Classic dwarf with exceptionally small leaves and dense, compact upright form

Exceptionally Small Leaves

'Kotohime' (meaning "little princess") features some of the smallest leaves of any Japanese maple, creating an incredibly refined, delicate texture. The miniature foliage is perfectly proportioned to the dwarf plant, creating an elegant appearance that's ideal for close viewing and detailed appreciation.

Dense Compact Form

Develops a naturally dense, compact upright habit with tight branching that requires minimal pruning. The slow growth rate and refined structure make it one of the most manageable dwarf maples, perfect for small gardens where space is at a premium.

Brilliant Fall Color

Transforms from fresh green summer foliage to spectacular golden-yellow with orange and red highlights in autumn. The tiny leaves create a fine-textured display that glows in fall light, providing exceptional seasonal interest despite the compact size.

Sun Needs

Partial shade to filtered sun (morning sun preferred, protect from hot afternoon sun)

Soil

Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Excellent drainage is critical for dwarf maples. Amend heavy clay with organic matter and consider raised beds or containers. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils which quickly damage small root systems.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts which can damage delicate new growth. The compact size makes it easy to provide winter protection if needed. Afternoon shade is beneficial in hot climates to prevent stress on the tiny foliage.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first 2–3 years. Dwarf cultivars like 'Kotohime' have smaller root systems and require consistent moisture. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture and protect delicate roots.