Kiyohime Japanese Maple

Kiyohime Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Kiyohime')

Kiyohime Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Kiyohime') is a dwarf, spreading selection valued for small leaves edged red in spring that mature to fresh green and finish orange to red in fall. Its low, layered habit forms elegant tiers that excel in rock gardens, front borders, and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Kiyohime' produces fine textured foliage on a naturally flattened canopy, creating horizontal layers with refined detail. Compact plants typically reach 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, providing structure and color at a scale suited to intimate spaces.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to partial shade; protect from hot afternoon sun.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Keep evenly moist; avoid drought and standing water.
• Humidity: Average humidity; provide airflow to minimize scorch.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Low specimen for paths, patios, and island beds.
• Containers: Excellent in large pots and troughs.
• Rock Gardens: Spreads gracefully among stones and groundcovers.
• Bonsai Training: Dense branching and small leaves suit styling.
• Front Borders: Provides refined structure along edges and terraces.

Low Maintenance Care

'Kiyohime' remains neat with minimal pruning and steady moisture.

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to maintain consistent moisture.
• Pruning: Minimal; thin lightly in late winter to maintain tiers.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly each spring with a balanced, slow release fertilizer.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble free in well drained soils.
• Winter Care: Mulch to buffer root temperatures and retain moisture.

Why Choose Kiyohime Japanese Maple?

• Dwarf Form: Space efficient habit for small gardens.
• Distinctive Margins: Red edged spring leaves add vivid contrast.
• Elegant Structure: Layered branching reads clean and refined.
• Design Versatility: Works in borders, containers, and bonsai.
• Reliable Color: Consistent orange to red fall display.

Best performance comes with morning sun, afternoon shade, and consistent soil moisture.