Ji Jiao Japanese Maple

Ji Jiao Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ji Jiao')

Ji Jiao Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ji Jiao') is a distinctive small tree prized for orange to yellow orange bark that glows in winter; medium green leaves provide a fresh summer canopy and turn bright orange to crimson in fall on an upright, well branched habit suited to entries, patios, and woodland borders.

Distinctive Features

Showy orange bark delivers standout cold season interest; medium, 5 to 7 lobed leaves stay clean in summer and finish with reliable warm autumn color.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; light afternoon shade in hotter regions preserves leaf quality and bark color.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and in dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 12 to 15 ft tall and 8 to 10 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Luminous bark and bold fall color create a year round accent.
• Winter Interest: Place where stems are visible from patios and windows.
• Courtyard Specimen: Close up bark display and refined structure.
• Mixed Borders: Evergreen backdrops highlight bark and foliage tones.
• Foundation Planting: Provides medium height and balanced framework.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly the first 1 to 2 years; increase during heat or drought.
• Pruning: Light thinning in late winter to remove crowded or crossing twigs; avoid heavy summer cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring if growth is light; do not overfeed.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 in mulch layer over the root zone, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Bark color shows best with sun on cool days; avoid waterlogged soils and shelter from drying winds.

Why Choose Ji Jiao Japanese Maple?

• Striking Winter Bark: Orange to yellow orange stems brighten the dormant season.
• Seasonal Foliage: Fresh green summer canopy with vivid fall tones.
• Balanced Structure: Upright, rounded habit suits formal and natural designs.
• Design Contrast: Pairs well with conifers and dark leaved shrubs.
• Reliable Performance: Strong grower with minimal pruning when properly sited.