Currently experiencing a very high volume of orders — please expect a 2–3 week lead time.

Currently experiencing a very high volume of orders — please expect a 2–3 week lead time.

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Origin
Proudly Grown In Canada
Nursery grown on Vancouver Island, BC
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
UPS tracked delivery across Canada

Cultivar

'Chiri hime'

An exceptionally rare ultra-dwarf Japanese maple prized by collectors for its miniature proportions and delicate beauty. 'Chiri hime' features tiny, finely-cut leaves on a naturally compact, mounding form that reaches only 3-4 feet at maturity. The small leaf size creates an incredibly refined texture reminiscent of a living bonsai, requiring no pruning to maintain its perfect dwarf habit. Brilliant orange-red fall color provides stunning seasonal interest. Ideal for rock gardens, small spaces, containers, or as a focal point where its intricate detail can be appreciated up close. One of the finest dwarf maples for collectors seeking something truly unique.

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
5-9
Mature Height
3-4 ft. tall
Mature Width
3-4 ft. wide
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 (2-4 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Ultra-dwarf mounding form with tiny, delicate foliage
Ultra-Compact Dwarf Form

Ultra-Compact Dwarf Form

'Chiri hime' is one of the smallest Japanese maples available, reaching only 3-4 feet tall in 10 years. Its naturally dense, mounding habit requires no pruning to maintain its miniature stature, making it perfect for the smallest gardens, rock gardens, and container culture.
Delicate Miniature Foliage

Delicate Miniature Foliage

Tiny, finely-cut leaves create an incredibly delicate texture that's unique among Japanese maples. The small leaf size is perfectly proportioned to the dwarf plant, creating an elegant, refined appearance that resembles a living bonsai specimen.
Brilliant Fall Display

Brilliant Fall Display

Despite its diminutive size, 'Chiri hime' delivers a spectacular autumn show with vibrant orange-red fall color. The small leaves create a fine-textured display that glows in autumn light, providing exceptional seasonal interest in a compact package.

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 5-9. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts. The compact size makes it easy to provide winter protection if needed. Tolerates heat better than many dwarf maples when given afternoon shade in zones 8-9.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first 2–3 years. Dwarf cultivars like 'Chiri hime' 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.
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