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Safe Arrival Guarantee
We guarantee your plants will arrive healthy and thriving
Origin
Proudly Grown In Canada
Plants are propagated in Canada at our very own nursery here on Vancouver Island, BC.
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
Your plants will be safely and securely delivered by UPS

Cultivar

'Waterfall'

A classic and highly reliable green weeping laceleaf Japanese maple that has been a garden favorite for decades. 'Waterfall' features bright green, deeply-dissected foliage that cascades gracefully from arching branches, creating the iconic mounding, fountain-like form. Spring growth emerges fresh lime-green, matures to rich green through summer, and transforms to brilliant golden-yellow and orange tones in fall. The delicate, thread-like leaves create an airy, fine-textured appearance that adds elegance and movement to the landscape. More vigorous and reliable than many weeping dissectums, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a proven performer. Perfect as a specimen plant, beside water features, in Japanese gardens, or anywhere a graceful focal point is desired. Reaches 6-10 feet tall with a wider spread, ideal for small to medium gardens. An essential cultivar for any Japanese maple collection and one of the most beautiful weeping forms available.

Japanese Maples

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.

Growth Forms & Habits

Japanese maples are available in a wide variety of natural forms, including:

  • Upright and spreading forms ideal for specimen planting
  • Weeping and cascading varieties perfect for containers, slopes, and bonsai
  • Compact and dwarf cultivars well-suited to small gardens, patios, and detailed bonsai work

Their graceful branching structure provides beauty even in winter once leaves have fallen.

Foliage & Bark Characteristics

Cultivars display a remarkable range of ornamental traits, including:

  • Deep red, burgundy, and purple foliage, often changing through the seasons
  • Fresh green or chartreuse leaves with brilliant fall color
  • Variegated patterns with cream, pink, or white accents
  • Coral bark selections with striking winter stem color
  • Rough or fissured bark types prized for texture and age character

Leaf shapes range from finely dissected laceleaf forms to broader, classic palmate leaves.

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

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.

Why Choose Japanese Maples?

  • Four-season interest: Spring foliage, summer canopy, brilliant fall color, and elegant winter structure
  • Versatile sizing: Most varieties mature between 10–15 feet, perfect for small gardens and urban spaces
  • Low maintenance: Once established, Japanese maples are hardy and require minimal care
  • Container-friendly: Ideal for patios, balconies, or featured garden spots
  • Excellent for bonsai: Fine branching, leaf reduction, and responsive to training
Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Plant Sizes

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.

 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Acer palmatum
Hardiness Zones
5-8
Mature Height
6-10 ft. tall
Mature Width
8-12 ft. wide
Sun Needs
Partial shade to filtered sun (morning sun preferred, protect from hot afternoon sun)
Water Needs
Moderate to high - keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate (6-12 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Graceful weeping form with bright green cascading laceleaf foliage
Classic Weeping Form

Classic Weeping Form

'Waterfall' displays the quintessential cascading habit that makes weeping Japanese maples so beloved. Graceful branches arch and flow downward like a living fountain, creating a stunning focal point that draws the eye and adds movement to the garden landscape.
Delicate Laceleaf Texture

Delicate Laceleaf Texture

Bright green, deeply-dissected leaves create an incredibly fine, lacy texture that filters light beautifully. The thread-like foliage moves gracefully in the slightest breeze, adding dynamic visual interest and a sense of tranquility to any garden setting.
 Brilliant Golden Fall Color

Brilliant Golden Fall Color

Transforms into a spectacular display of golden-yellow to orange in autumn. The finely-cut leaves create a luminous, layered effect that glows in fall sunlight, providing one of the most beautiful seasonal transitions of any weeping maple.

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 weeping dissectums. Amend heavy clay with organic matter and consider raised beds if drainage is poor. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils which quickly damage the delicate root system.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts which can damage delicate new growth. Afternoon shade is essential in hot climates (zones 7-8) to prevent leaf scorch on the finely-cut foliage.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently, especially in the first 2–3 years. Weeping dissectums require regular moisture to maintain healthy cascading foliage. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect the shallow root system.
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