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

'Tama Hime'

is a rare dwarf Japanese maple highly prized by collectors for its exceptional compact form and unique characteristics. Spring foliage emerges with light brownish-green coloration, quickly maturing to shiny, rich green in summer—the glossy leaves provide exceptional luster and a cool, serene presence. Fall color transforms to vibrant red, crimson, and yellow for a spectacular multi-toned seasonal display. Develops a compact and upright growth habit, reaching only 3-4 feet tall by 4-5 feet wide in 10 years with slow growth. The extremely small stature and refined proportions make it perfect for the smallest gardens, containers, rock gardens, fairy gardens, and bonsai culture. A great option for bonsai enthusiasts seeking a rare dwarf with exceptional characteristics and manageable size. Perfect for collectors, small gardens, containers, patios, bonsai culture, or anywhere you want a rare dwarf maple with shiny green foliage and compact upright form. An essential choice for serious collectors seeking one of the rarest and most refined dwarf Japanese maples available.

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 'Tama Hime'
Hardiness Zones
5-9
Mature Height
3-4 ft. tall (in 10 years)
Mature Width
4-5 ft. wide (in 10 years)
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade (more sun intensifies spring red color)
Water Needs
Moderate - keep soil consistently moist but well-drained
Growth Rate
Slow (3-5 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Shiny rich green summer foliage with rare compact upright dwarf habit
Rare Dwarf Collector's Cultivar

Rare Dwarf Collector's Cultivar

Tama Hime' is a rare dwarf Japanese maple highly sought after by collectors for its exceptional compact form and unique characteristics. The combination of shiny rich green foliage, compact upright habit, and extremely small size makes this one of the rarest and most prized dwarf maples available.
Shiny Rich Green Summer Foliage

Shiny Rich Green Summer Foliage

Spring foliage emerges with light brownish-green coloration, quickly maturing to shiny, rich green in summer. The glossy green leaves provide a cool, serene presence and exceptional luster that catches the light beautifully. Fall color transforms to vibrant red, crimson, and yellow for a spectacular multi-toned seasonal finale.
 Compact Upright Dwarf Habit

Compact Upright Dwarf Habit

Develops a compact and upright growth habit, reaching only 3-4 feet tall by 4-5 feet wide in 10 years. The small stature and slow growth make it perfect for the smallest gardens, containers, rock gardens, and bonsai culture—a great option for bonsai enthusiasts seeking a rare dwarf with refined proportions.

Sun Needs

Full sun to partial shade (more sun intensifies spring red color)

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 5-9. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts which can damage delicate new growth. Young trees benefit from afternoon shade in hot climates to maintain the shiny green foliage and prevent leaf scorch.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently, especially in the first 2–3 years. 'Tama Hime' requires regular moisture to maintain healthy growth and vibrant foliage. 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 rare dwarf cultivar.
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