JUST ARRIVED! 1-Gallon XL Japanese Maples — Bigger Trees, Great Value!

JUST ARRIVED! 1-Gallon XL Japanese Maples — Bigger Trees, Great Value!

Safe Arrival Guarantee
Safe Arrival Guarantee
Carefully packed for safe shipping
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

Chuguji Japanese Maple

'Chuguji' is an extremely rare Japanese maple selection from Japan, prized for its large distinctive leaves with vivid red tipping in early spring and a brilliant fiery red autumn display. Forming a small to mid-sized tree of 6–8 feet in height and width over 10 years, it offers exceptional seasonal interest and is a true collector's find.

Growth Form & Habit

'Chuguji' develops into a well-proportioned small to mid-sized tree, including:

  • A balanced, rounded form reaching 6–8 feet in height and width in 10 years
  • Full, lush canopy supported by a sturdy branching structure
  • Refined silhouette that provides year-round architectural interest

Its graceful branch structure remains attractive through winter once the foliage has fallen.

Foliage & Seasonal Characteristics

'Chuguji' delivers exceptional ornamental interest across all seasons, including:

  • Large palmate leaves with vivid red tipping emerging in early spring
  • Bold, lush green canopy through the summer growing season
  • Brilliant fiery red autumn colour — one of the most vivid among Japanese maples
  • Attractive branch structure with graceful winter presence

The large leaf size creates a bold canopy texture that contrasts beautifully with finer-textured plants in mixed garden settings.

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

'Chuguji' shines as a specimen tree where its distinctive spring foliage and fiery fall colour can be fully appreciated. It is equally valued by bonsai enthusiasts for its unique leaf character and responsiveness to training. A natural focal point in Japanese-inspired gardens, woodland settings, and curated collector landscapes.

Why Choose Chuguji?

  • Four-season interest: Red-tipped spring foliage, bold summer canopy, brilliant fiery red fall colour, and graceful winter structure
  • Rare collector’s cultivar: Extremely rare in the nursery trade — a genuine find for the discerning gardener
  • Distinctive large leaves: Notably larger foliage than most Japanese maple cultivars, with unique red spring tipping
  • Manageable size: Reaches 6–8 feet in 10 years — well-suited to garden beds, borders, and featured positions
  • Bonsai potential: Unique leaf character and responsive to training
Chuguji Japanese Maple growth form

Typical Chuguji growth form

Plant Sizes

We offer Chuguji 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 'Chuguji'
Hardiness Zones
5-9
Mature Height
6-8 ft. tall (in 10 years)
Mature Width
6-8 ft. wide (in 10 years)
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade (morning sun enhances spring red tipping)
Water Needs
Moderate – consistent moisture, especially during establishment and summer heat
Growth Rate
Moderate (6-10 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Large palmate leaves with distinctive red tipping in early spring and brilliant fiery red fall colour
Striking Red-Tipped Spring Foliage

Striking Red-Tipped Spring Foliage

One of 'Chuguji’s most distinctive traits is its large leaves emerging in early spring with vivid red tipping — a rare and eye-catching characteristic that sets it apart from most Japanese maple cultivars. This spring flush creates a beautiful two-tone effect that makes the tree an immediate focal point as the garden wakes up.
Exceptional Large Leaf Form

Exceptional Large Leaf Form

'Chuguji' produces notably larger leaves than most Japanese maple cultivars, creating a bold, lush canopy with excellent textural presence. The substantial palmate foliage gives the tree a robust, full appearance through the growing season, making it a standout in the landscape from a distance.
Brilliant Fiery Red Autumn Colour

Brilliant Fiery Red Autumn Colour

In autumn, 'Chuguji' transforms into a spectacular display of bright, fiery red — one of the most vivid fall colour performances among Japanese maple selections. The large leaf size amplifies the intensity of the colour, creating a bold and memorable seasonal display that lights up the garden.

Sun Needs

Full sun to partial shade (morning sun enhances spring red tipping)

Soil

Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid compacted or waterlogged conditions. Container growing is suitable with a quality, free-draining potting mix.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5–9. Well-adapted to Canadian climates once established. Protect emerging spring foliage from late frosts, particularly the distinctive red-tipped new growth. Some afternoon shade is beneficial in zones 8–9 to reduce heat stress on the large leaves.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently during the first 2–3 years while roots establish. The larger leaf size means 'Chuguji' benefits from consistent moisture during dry summer periods to prevent leaf scorch. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (kept clear of the trunk) to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and protect roots.
Translation missing: en.general.search.loading