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We guarantee your plants will arrive healthy and thriving
Origin
Proudly Grown In Canada
Plants are propagated in Canada at our very own nursery here on Vancouver Island, BC.
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
Your plants will be safely and securely delivered by UPS

Cultivar

'Kashima'

(also 'Kashima yatsubusa') forms a rounded, mushroom-shaped dwarf with vigorous horizontal branching and dense habit. Spring foliage emerges yellow-green with pink-toned margins, maturing to lighter green than typical "hime" cultivars. Autumn brings orange to red tones. Reaches 3–4 feet tall by 4–5 feet wide in ten years. Zones 5–9. Excellent for containers and bonsai.

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
4-5 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
Compact dwarf with dense, rounded mushroom shape and yellow-green spring foliage
Unique Spring Color

Unique Spring Color

'Kashima' emerges in early spring with distinctive yellow-green foliage accented by pink-toned margins on new growth. This unique color combination creates a soft, luminous appearance that sets it apart from typical dwarf maples, maturing to a lighter green than many other "hime" types.
Dense Mushroom Form

Dense Mushroom Form

Develops a compact, rounded mushroom shape with vigorous horizontal branching and exceptionally dense habit. The naturally layered, mounding form requires no pruning to maintain its perfect proportions, creating an elegant architectural element in the smallest spaces.
Ideal for Containers & Bonsai

Ideal for Containers & Bonsai

Reaching only 3-4 feet tall by 4-5 feet wide in 10 years, 'Kashima' is perfectly suited for container culture and bonsai training. The slow growth rate, dense branching, and compact size make it one of the finest dwarf maples for small gardens, patios, and artistic cultivation.

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 which can damage pink-tinged new growth. 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 'Kashima' 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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