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

Potted plant with red leaves on a black square base against a white background

Close-up of green maple leaves on a white background

Nagaragawa Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Nagaragawa'

$90.00

is a relatively recent Japanese dwarf cultivar increasingly favored by bonsai growers in Japan. It is valued for its compact habit, fine internodes, and excellent branch structure, making it well...

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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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Grown In Japan

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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

'Nagarakawa'

is a relatively recent Japanese dwarf cultivar increasingly favored by bonsai growers in Japan. It is valued for its compact habit, fine internodes, and excellent branch structure, making it well suited to small bonsai and container cultivation. This cultivar represents a notable addition to the Canadian bonsai landscape.

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 'Nagaragawa'

Hardiness Zones

5-8

Mature Height

3-5 ft. tall (unpruned)

Mature Width

3-4 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 and bonsai

Growth Rate

Very slow (2-4 inches per year)

Defining Characteristic

Ultra-dwarf with tiny leaves and dense branching, ideal for bonsai

Perfect for Bonsai

'Nagaragawa' is one of the finest Japanese maples for bonsai culture, featuring tiny leaves, very slow growth, and dense branching that responds beautifully to training. The miniature proportions and refined structure create stunning bonsai specimens with minimal effort.

Tiny Refined Foliage

Exceptionally small leaves create an incredibly delicate, fine-textured appearance that's perfectly proportioned to the dwarf plant. The miniature foliage allows for detailed ramification and creates the illusion of a full-sized tree in miniature—ideal for bonsai aesthetics.

Brilliant Fall Color

Transforms from fresh green summer foliage to spectacular orange-red fall color. The tiny leaves create a luminous, fine-textured display that glows in autumn light, providing exceptional seasonal interest despite the ultra-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. For bonsai, use well-draining bonsai soil mix with good aeration. Amend heavy clay with organic matter and consider raised beds or containers. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils.

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. Bonsai specimens benefit from protection during extreme cold. Afternoon shade is beneficial in hot climates.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first 2–3 years. Dwarf cultivars like 'Nagaragawa' have smaller root systems and require consistent moisture. For bonsai specimens, maintain regular watering without waterlogging. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture and protect delicate roots.