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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Safe Arrival Guarantee
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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

'Butterfly'

A highly prized variegated cultivar valued for its stable cream and pink-edged foliage. Leaves emerge with pink tints in spring, maturing to green centers with white margins. Compact upright form ideal for smaller gardens and containers.

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
8-12 ft. tall
Mature Width
6-8 ft. wide
Sun Needs
Partial shade to full sun (4-6 hours direct sun; tolerates more sun than most variegated cultivars)
Water Needs
Moderate - keep soil consistently moist but well-drained
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate (6-12 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Variegated cream and pink-edged foliage with compact upright form
Stable Variegation

Stable Variegation

Butterfly is prized for its reliable cream and white leaf margins that remain consistent throughout the season. Unlike many variegated maples, it holds its coloration well without reverting to solid green, making it one of the most dependable variegated cultivars.
Compact Upright Form

Compact Upright Form

The naturally compact, upright growth habit makes Butterfly ideal for smaller gardens, mixed borders, and container culture. Its refined size and elegant structure provide year-round architectural interest without overwhelming the landscape.
Multi-Season Interest

Multi-Season Interest

Foliage emerges in spring with pink-tinged margins, matures to cream and white variegation in summer, and transitions to warm orange and red tones in fall. This seasonal progression provides continuous visual appeal from spring through autumn.

Sun Needs

Partial shade to full sun (4-6 hours direct sun; tolerates more sun than most variegated cultivars)

Soil

Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils which can lead to root rot.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts. Tolerates more sun than typical variegated maples but benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first 2–3 years. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
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