Lion's head Japanese maple

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

This small, upright maple works well beside a patio or at a woodland edge. Its crinkled leaves are easiest to see from nearby, so it also suits a spot along a path.

Where to plant

Allow 5–12 feet for the mature crown to spread. Choose a sheltered position away from strong wind and reflected heat. Afternoon or dappled shade helps protect the leaves on hotter sites.

Through the seasons

Leaves stay green through summer, then turn gold, orange, and red in autumn, often later than other Japanese maples. Small spring flowers are followed by winged seeds.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

This cultivar suits maritime Northwest gardens but still needs water during dry spells. Exposed sites can cause leaf scorch, even when the surrounding climate is relatively mild.

Soil, drainage & water

Prefers slightly acidic soil with organic matter and good drainage. Sandy or clay soils can work if moisture is managed. Water regularly in dry weather and avoid leaving the roots waterlogged.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Mulch the root area and prune only as needed to maintain the shape. Make cuts in dry weather from late fall to midwinter. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which encourages soft growth.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.