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'Kuro hime'
(meaning "Black-Red Princess") is a vigorous dwarf Japanese maple from Kyoto, introduced to the U.S. in 2008 and quickly becoming a collector favorite. This exceptional cultivar is celebrated for its brilliant bright pink-red spring foliage that creates one of the most stunning displays of any dwarf maple. As the season progresses, leaves transition to beautiful bluish-green by mid-summer, providing a cool, serene presence. The real magic happens with the secondary flush—bright pink-red new growth emerges against the blue-green mature foliage, creating a spectacular flower-like bi-color effect that's absolutely unique. Autumn brings bright red fall color for a vibrant seasonal finale. The dense, upright habit reaches just 4-5 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for small gardens, containers, patios, entryways, and Japanese gardens. More vigorous than many dwarf cultivars, it fills in quickly while maintaining compact size. Requires partial shade and consistent moisture to prevent leaf scorch and maintain optimal color—afternoon shade is essential in warmer zones. Perfect as a specimen in small spaces, in containers, as an accent in mixed borders, or anywhere you want exceptional multi-season color in a compact, manageable package. An essential choice for collectors seeking a vigorous dwarf with unique bi-color displays and year-round beauty.
Japanese maples are among the most versatile and admired ornamental trees, prized for their elegant form, refined foliage, and year-round visual interest. Suitable for both garden planting and bonsai cultivation, these trees adapt beautifully to a wide range of landscapes and growing styles.
Japanese maples are available in a wide variety of natural forms, including:
Their graceful branching structure provides beauty even in winter once leaves have fallen.
Cultivars display a remarkable range of ornamental traits, including:
Leaf shapes range from finely dissected laceleaf forms to broader, classic palmate leaves.
Japanese maples are highly valued for bonsai due to their fine branching, ability to reduce leaf size, and responsiveness to pruning and training. At the same time, they perform exceptionally well as garden trees—whether planted in the ground, grown in containers, or used as focal points in Japanese-inspired landscapes.
Typical Japanese Maple growth form
We offer Japanese maples in several size categories. Measurements are approximate and provided as a general guideline.
| Size Category | Height | Trunk Diameter | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" Liners | 6–12 inches | ¼–½ inch | Young plants ideal for training, bonsai, or growing on |
| Standard 1-Gallon | 6–24 inches | ¾–1½ inches | Well-established plants suitable for landscape or container growing |
| 1-Gallon Extra Large (XL) | 12–48 inches | ¾–2 inches | Grown for a longer period, resulting in better branching, thicker trunks, and a more mature appearance |
Please note: Plant size and form will vary depending on the cultivar purchased. Dwarf varieties will naturally be smaller and more compact than standard varieties, even within the same pot size.
Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our Japanese maples are cultivated and shipped from our Canadian nursery with care, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your climate.
