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
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

Cultivar

'Asahi zuru'

is a medium-sized Japanese maple with intense variegation splashed in pink, white, and green. More consistent coloring than the classic 'Oridono Nishiki', with occasional pink striations on the bark. Best planted in part shade or protected from hot afternoon sun to preserve vibrant variegation. An exceptional choice for collectors seeking dramatic, multi-colored foliage with reliable performance.

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
10-15 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, variegated foliage requires more water
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate (6-12 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Intense pink, white, and green variegated foliage with exceptional color stability
Stunning Variegated Foliage

Stunning Variegated Foliage

'Asahi zuru' displays intense variegation with dramatic splashes of pink, white, and green throughout the growing season. More consistent and reliable than classic variegated varieties, with occasional pink striations appearing on the bark for added visual interest.
Collector's Specimen

Collector's Specimen

A highly sought-after cultivar prized for its exceptional multi-colored foliage and reliable performance. Superior to 'Oridono Nishiki' with more stable variegation patterns, making it a standout choice for Japanese maple enthusiasts and collectors.
Compact Garden Elegance

Compact Garden Elegance

Medium-sized growth habit makes 'Asahi zuru' perfect for specimen planting in small gardens, patios, or as an understory accent. Best planted in partial shade or protected locations where its vibrant variegation can be preserved and appreciated.

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). Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils. Good drainage is critical as variegated cultivars are more susceptible to root stress.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts which can damage emerging variegated growth. Afternoon shade is essential in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch on pink and white variegated areas.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first 2–3 years. Variegated foliage is more sensitive to drought stress—maintain consistent moisture. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect delicate roots.
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