Tree · Sapindaceae family

Japanese maple

Acer palmatum

Part shade in a garden 4 ft 11 in–18 ft ½ in × 4 ft 11 in–16 ft 4⅞ in Flowers April–May to −73 °F

Flower colors Click a color

In short a 10-second read

LightPart shade

in a garden after 10 years4 ft 11 in–18 ft ½ in
in the wild up to 32.8 ft
spacing 16 ft 4⅞ in

FlowersApril–May

PlantingMarch–April, October–November

WinterNo winter protection

Where to plant and how much to water

Light, soil and water.

It grows best in part shade, in average to moist soil.

Sun

Sun6 hours or more

Part shade3–6 hours

Shadeunder 3 h

Soil

acidic to neutral soil

acidicneutralalkaline

average to moisthumus-richsandy

Watering

only in dry spellsless when it rains

Frost

−73 °F

no winter protectionleafless in winter

How much space it takes

Mature size.

The mature plant next to a person (69 in).

13 ft 1½ in–32.8 ft× spread 13 ft 1½ in–29 ft 6⅜ in

Plant 16 ft 4⅞ in apart.

Reaches maturity in about 10–20 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.

Calendar

Through the year.

Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.

The year at a glance

FlowersPlantingFeeding

Now, in October: a good time for planting (container plant).

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Flowers

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April–May · purple

Planting

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

container plant: March–April, October–November

Feeding

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May–June

What to plant now (October) full list in October (243) →

Feeding

Nutrition.

Horn meal

up to 0.18 oz/sq ft a year, if the soil needs it · May–June

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Pests and diseases

Common problems and what to do.

The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.

High riskMedium riskLow riskRisk for this plant according to the source · no label = no documented level

Verticillium wilt

Verticillium

Medium riskdiseasesource covers the whole genus

What you will see

Leaves yellow and wilt, often on one side of the tree only. When a branch is cut, the wood is green to black or streaked. The tree usually cannot be cured.

The source says: it is among the plants affected most commonly.

When to look

Throughout the year; symptoms can develop rapidly in hot weather

How to protect

Prevention
- Do not plant susceptible species (maple, catalpa, redbud) where a tree has been killed by this disease.
- Do not make mulch from the wood of affected trees.
- Do not overdo feeding and pruning.
By hand spring – summerWith mild symptoms, cut out affected branches, disinfect tools, water the tree and keep it vigorous. There is no reliable chemical cure.

Verticillium wiltdisease · throughout the year; symptoms can develop rapidly in hot weatherMedium risk

What you will see

Leaves yellow and wilt, often on one side of the tree only. When a branch is cut, the wood is green to black or streaked. The tree usually cannot be cured.

The source says: it is among the plants affected most commonly.

When to look

Throughout the year; symptoms can develop rapidly in hot weather

How to protect

Prevention
- Do not plant susceptible species (maple, catalpa, redbud) where a tree has been killed by this disease.
- Do not make mulch from the wood of affected trees.
- Do not overdo feeding and pruning.
By hand spring – summerWith mild symptoms, cut out affected branches, disinfect tools, water the tree and keep it vigorous. There is no reliable chemical cure.

Quick answers.

When does Japanese maple flower?

In April–May; the flowers are purple.

Does Japanese maple tolerate shade?

It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.

How much space does Japanese maple need?

At maturity 13 ft 1½ in–29 ft 6⅜ in wide and 13 ft 1½ in–32.8 ft tall; recommended spacing 16 ft 4⅞ in.

Verticillium wilt — what can you do?

Do not plant susceptible species (maple, catalpa, redbud) where a tree has been killed by this disease. With mild symptoms, cut out affected branches, disinfect tools, water the tree and keep it vigorous. There is no reliable chemical cure.

Sources (20) Checked 24 October 2026