Winter's Columnar Red Japanese Maple

Winter's Columnar Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Winter's Columnar Red')

Winter's Columnar Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Winter's Columnar Red') is a narrow, upright red selection with foliage that emerges bright crimson, holds deep burgundy through summer, and finishes vivid scarlet in fall; its space saving columnar habit and fine texture provide strong color and vertical structure for entries, borders, and patios.

Distinctive Features

'Winter's Columnar Red' combines reliable red color holding with a naturally slender framework, tight internodes, and layered branching that read architectural in leaf and reveal a clean winter silhouette.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; offer afternoon protection in hot regions to limit scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain even moisture; avoid drought and soggy soil.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 10 to 15 ft tall, 3 to 5 ft wide, narrow upright habit.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Columnar red canopy adds vertical color in tight spaces.
• Entry Gardens: Frames walks and doors without overwhelming small beds.
• Hedges and Screens: Create a colorful, slender privacy row.
• Containers: Suits large, stable planters for close viewing.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with conifers and light green shrubs.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil consistently moist.
• Pruning: Minimal; light edits in late winter to preserve the narrow outline.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow release fertilizer.
• Mulching: Apply 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and afternoon shade in hot sites to reduce leaf scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Winter's Columnar Red Japanese Maple?

• Space Efficient: Naturally slender habit fits courtyards and narrow beds.
• Season Long Red: Crimson spring, burgundy summer, scarlet fall.
• Architectural Form: Strong vertical accent with clean winter lines.
• Design Flexibility: Works as specimen, pair, or tight hedge.
• Low Maintenance: Tidy structure with modest care needs.

For the richest color and best vigor, combine bright morning sun with light afternoon shade and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.