Ji Jiao Japanese Maple

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

Ji Jiao Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ji Jiao') is a compact, upright small tree with finely cut, sharply lobed leaves that open light green with occasional red edging, settle to clean medium green in summer, and turn orange to crimson in fall; its tidy, well branched habit and fine texture make a refined specimen for entries, borders, and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Ji Jiao' features small scale foliage on short internodes that creates a dense, elegant canopy with reliable warm toned fall color; the balanced framework reads neat in leaf and shows a clean winter silhouette.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to partial shade; provide afternoon protection in hot regions.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain steady moisture; avoid drought and waterlogging.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 6 to 10 ft tall, 4 to 7 ft wide, upright rounded habit.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Fine foliage and warm fall color draw attention in small spaces.
• Entry Gardens: Frames paths and patios with tidy structure.
• Containers: Performs in large, sheltered planters for close viewing.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with bold leaf perennials and conifers.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stone, gravel, and water features.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil evenly moist.
• Pruning: Light structural edits in late winter; avoid heavy midsummer cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and afternoon shade in hot sites to limit leaf scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Ji Jiao Japanese Maple?

• Compact Habit: Manageable size fits patios and small gardens.
• Refined Texture: Small, sharply lobed leaves read elegant up close.
• Seasonal Interest: Fresh spring greens and warm autumn color.
• Design Flexibility: Works as specimen, pair, or container feature.
• Low Maintenance: Tidy structure with minimal pruning needs.

For best vigor and color, plant in bright morning light with afternoon shade and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.