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

Bonsai tree with red leaves in a blue pot on a white background

Deshojo Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum 'Deshojo'

$90.00

Renowned for its intense crimson spring foliage, Deshojo (translating to “deep red”) emerges with vivid red leaves, matures to bronze-green in summer, and finishes with red-orange fall color. Slow growing...

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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

'Deshojo'

Renowned for its intense crimson spring foliage, Deshojo (translating to “deep red”) emerges with vivid red leaves, matures to bronze-green in summer, and finishes with red-orange fall color. Slow growing with small leaves and a compact habit, it is one of the most prized Japanese maples for bonsai, offering responsive branching and easy size control. Ideal for containers, small gardens, and bonsai; prefers partial shade and consistent moisture.

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 'Deshojo'

Hardiness Zones

5-8

Mature Height

4-6 ft. tall (unpruned)

Mature Width

3-5 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, especially for bonsai specimens

Growth Rate

Slow (4-8 inches per year)

Defining Characteristic

Brilliant crimson-red spring foliage with exceptional color intensity

Spectacular Crimson Spring Color

'Deshojo' (meaning "red tower") is celebrated for its brilliant, intense crimson-red spring foliage—one of the most vivid red displays of any Japanese maple. The stunning color creates an immediate focal point that perfectly embodies the cultivar's dramatic name.

Ideal for Bonsai Culture

Slow growth rate, small leaves, and responsive branching make 'Deshojo' one of the finest Japanese maples for bonsai training. The compact habit and exceptional spring color create stunning bonsai specimens that are highly prized by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Multi-Season Interest

Foliage transitions from brilliant crimson in spring to bronze-green in summer, then transforms to vibrant red-orange in fall. This dynamic color progression provides continuous visual interest throughout the growing season, making every stage rewarding.

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 bonsai, use well-draining bonsai soil mix. 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 brilliant red new growth. Afternoon shade is essential in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch and preserve the intense crimson color. Bonsai specimens benefit from winter protection.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently, especially in the first 2–3 years. 'Deshojo' requires regular moisture to support vibrant spring color and prevent leaf scorch. For bonsai specimens, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture and protect roots.