Beni Hime Japanese Maple

Beni Hime Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Beni Hime')

Beni Hime Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Beni Hime') is a miniature treasure among dwarf maples, renowned for its tiny leaves and brilliant red tones. The name �Beni Hime� translates to �red princess,� and this cultivar lives up to its name with finely cut red foliage in spring that deepens to burgundy in summer before lighting up again in fall with bright crimson hues. Its extremely compact size and slow growth make it a favorite for bonsai, containers, and small-scale garden spaces.

Distinctive Features

'Beni Hime' stands out for its exceptionally small leaves�often no larger than a fingernail�giving the plant an intricately detailed texture. New foliage emerges bright red, holds its color well through the growing season, and finishes in brilliant red-orange tones in autumn. With a naturally low, mounded form, it typically matures at just 1 to 3 feet tall and wide over 10 years, making it one of the smallest Japanese maples available.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers partial shade; morning sun with afternoon protection helps preserve color and reduce stress.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with high organic content.
• Water: Moderate; needs consistent moisture, especially in containers or during hot spells.
• Humidity: Performs best in moderate humidity; shelter from hot, drying winds is recommended.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; fully hardy with good siting and winter mulch in colder climates.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Ideal for small-scale focal points or as a jewel-box accent in intimate spaces.
• Containers: Perfect for patio pots and troughs where its form and color can be enjoyed up close.
• Bonsai: A top choice among bonsai growers due to its fine branching and tiny leaves.
• Rock Gardens: Fits seamlessly among boulders, gravel, and low-growing companions.
• Fairy or Miniature Gardens: Its petite scale is a natural fit for themed, small-format gardens.

Low Maintenance Care

Beni Hime is an easy-care maple when placed in the right environment. Its slow growth eliminates the need for frequent pruning, and it performs beautifully with consistent moisture and dappled light.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during heat or drought; mulch helps retain moisture and regulate temperature.
• Pruning: Rarely needed; prune only to remove dead twigs or refine shape in late winter.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suitable for dwarf maples.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; monitor for aphids or mildew in crowded or overly moist conditions.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy in Zones 5�8; mulch around the base to protect shallow roots in colder regions.

Why Choose Beni Hime Japanese Maple?

Beni Hime offers bold color, refined structure, and a uniquely miniature scale�making it an ideal choice for collectors, container gardeners, and anyone looking to add high-impact detail to a small space.

• Extremely Compact Size: One of the smallest Japanese maples available.
• Brilliant Seasonal Color: Vibrant reds from spring through fall.
• Perfect for Containers and Bonsai: Small stature and fine texture lend themselves to potted or stylized displays.
• Slow Growth: Minimal maintenance and long-term reward for patient gardeners.
• Unique Texture: Tiny leaves create intricate visual interest.

For unmatched charm and color in the smallest spaces, Beni Hime Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Beni Hime') is a jewel-box addition to any garden or collection.