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Potted plant with green leaves on a white background

$55.00

is an exceptional dwarf Japanese maple celebrated for its tiny, distinctive star-shaped leaves that create a unique texture unlike any other cultivar. This remarkable maple features exceptionally small star-shaped foliage...
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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
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Cultivar

'Otohime'

is an exceptional dwarf Japanese maple celebrated for its tiny, distinctive star-shaped leaves that create a unique texture unlike any other cultivar. This remarkable maple features exceptionally small star-shaped foliage that emerges in spring bright green with lovely red edges—a stunning bi-color effect that's absolutely captivating. The green centers contrasted with red margins provide exceptional spring color interest, transitioning to solid green through summer, then transforming to beautiful yellow-orange in fall for a warm seasonal finale. The branches grow sideways in a distinctive horizontal pattern, creating a dense, round tree when young that gradually grows wider with age—this evolving form adds character and interest over time. Reaches 3-4 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, with mature specimens developing a beautiful wide-spreading habit. The unique star-shaped leaves, slow growth, and dense branching make 'Otohime' a wonderful selection for bonsai culture—highly prized for its distinctive foliage and responsive training characteristics. Requires partial shade and consistent moisture. Perfect for bonsai culture, containers, small spaces in the landscape, rock gardens, or anywhere you want an exceptional dwarf maple with unique star-shaped leaves and bi-color spring foliage. An essential choice for collectors and bonsai enthusiasts seeking a distinctive dwarf cultivar with exceptional character and year-round beauty.

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 'Otohime'
Hardiness Zones
5-9
Mature Height
3-4 ft. tall (in 10 years)
Mature Width
4-6 ft. wide (mature specimens grow wider with age)
Sun Needs
Partial shade to filtered sun (morning sun preferred, protect from hot afternoon sun)
Water Needs
Moderate - keep soil consistently moist but well-drained
Growth Rate
Slow (4-6 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Tiny star-shaped leaves with green centers and red edges creating exceptional fine texture
Unique Star-Shaped Leaves

Unique Star-Shaped Leaves

'Otohime' features exceptionally small, distinctive star-shaped leaves that create an incredibly fine, unique texture. The tiny star-shaped foliage provides a refined appearance unlike any other dwarf maple—creating exceptional visual interest and delicate beauty that's absolutely captivating at close range.
Green Leaves with Red Edges

Green Leaves with Red Edges

Spring foliage emerges bright green with lovely red edges, creating a stunning bi-color effect that's absolutely unique. The green centers contrasted with red margins provide exceptional color interest in spring, transitioning to solid green through summer for a cool, serene presence, then transforming to beautiful yellow-orange in fall.
Dense Round to Wide Spreading Habit

Dense Round to Wide Spreading Habit

Branches grow sideways, creating a dense, round tree when young that gradually grows wider with age. This distinctive horizontal branching pattern develops into a beautiful spreading form, making it perfect for small spaces, containers, bonsai culture, or as a unique specimen that evolves in character over time.

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 and consistent moisture are critical for healthy growth. Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils which can lead to root stress and poor performance.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts which can damage delicate new growth. Afternoon shade is beneficial in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch and maintain the refined star-shaped leaf form throughout the season.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently, especially in the first 2–3 years. 'Otohime' requires regular moisture to maintain healthy growth and vibrant leaf color, especially the distinctive red edges. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect the shallow root system. Consistent moisture is essential for this slow-growing dwarf cultivar.

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