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Origin
Grown In Canada
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We Ship Anywhere In Canada
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
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Grown at our nursery on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Cultivar

'Nishiki Gawa'

One of the most distinctive and sought-after Japanese maples, 'Nishiki Gawa' (meaning 'brocade river') is prized for its spectacular corky, deeply furrowed bark that develops even on young wood, creating exceptional visual interest year-round and making it a premier choice for bonsai culture.

Cutting-Grown Bonsai Japanese Maples

Our cutting-grown bonsai Japanese maples are carefully cultivated for bonsai enthusiasts seeking authentic material with excellent branching structure, refined foliage, and responsive training characteristics. Each tree is grown from select cuttings to ensure true-to-type cultivar traits and superior bonsai potential. Some trees are grown at our Vancouver Island nursery, while select rare cultivars are imported directly from Japan.

Bonsai Size Chart

Size Grade Trunk Width Plant Height Container 
Starter 1/8"–1/4" 4"-6" 3-inch Nursery Pot

Trunk width measured at base. Sizes are approximate and vary by cultivar and growing conditions.

Why Cutting-Grown Material?

  • True cultivar genetics: Exact replication of parent plant characteristics including leaf shape, color, and growth habit
  • Responsive to training: Excellent back budding and leaf reduction when properly maintained
  • Beautiful nebari potential: With early work on the root system you can achieve near-perfect nebari (visible surface roots)
  • Clean, seamless trunk: Cutting-grown material provides a clean trunk with no unsightly graft union

Bonsai Characteristics

Japanese maples are among the most popular deciduous bonsai species, offering:

  • Delicate, palmate or dissected foliage in red, green, purple, or variegated tones
  • Excellent leaf reduction with proper defoliation techniques
  • Fine twig development and natural ramification
  • Stunning seasonal color transitions from spring emergence through autumn display
  • Elegant winter silhouette showcasing branch structure
  • Adaptability to multiple bonsai styles: informal upright, slanting, cascade, forest, and more

Care & Cultivation

Japanese maple bonsai thrive with proper attention to light, water, and seasonal protection. They prefer bright, filtered light with protection from intense afternoon sun, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and shelter from harsh winter winds. Regular pruning during the growing season encourages back-budding and maintains compact form.

Black and white Japanese maple bonsai illustration
Typical Japanese Maple bonsai development

Cultivated with care. Our cutting-grown bonsai Japanese maples are either grown at our Vancouver Island nursery or imported from select growers in Japan, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to continue their bonsai journey in your collection.

Note: Origin (nursery-grown or Japan import) is indicated on the badge above the plant description. Foliage color, trunk character, and branching structure vary by cultivar and development stage. Individual tree specifications are listed in the product details above. Container type and exact sizing confirmed at time of shipment.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Acer palmatum 'Nishiki Gawa'
Hardiness Zones
5-8
Mature Height
10-15 ft. tall (unpruned)
Mature Width
6-10 ft. wide (unpruned)
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade (tolerates more sun than most Japanese maples)
Water Needs
Moderate - established plants show good drought tolerance
Growth Rate
Slow (6-12 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Rare cultivar prized for its distinctive corky, deeply furrowed bark and upright form
Distinctive Corky Bark

Distinctive Corky Bark

'Nishiki Gawa' is renowned for its spectacular corky, deeply furrowed bark that develops even on young wood, creating the appearance of an ancient tree.
Upright Vase-Shaped Form

Upright Vase-Shaped Form

Develops a naturally upright, vase-shaped habit with strong branching structure and open form that allows the distinctive corky bark to be fully appreciated.
Four-Season Interest

Four-Season Interest

Offers year-round beauty with fresh green spring foliage, bright summer leaves, brilliant golden-yellow and orange fall color, and stunning winter silhouette with dramatic bark texture.

Sun Needs

Full sun to partial shade (tolerates more sun than most Japanese maples)

Soil

Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Excellent drainage is essential.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. The corky bark provides additional winter interest and protection. Tolerates heat better than many

Water and Mulching

Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first 2–3 years. Once established, shows good drought tolerance. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch.
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