Golden Falls Japanese Maple

Golden Falls Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Golden Falls')

Golden Falls Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Golden Falls') is a narrowly weeping selection with bright yellow spring foliage that softens to chartreuse in summer and turns warm orange to red in fall; the cascading, columnar habit provides luminous color and elegant movement for entries, borders, and courtyard plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Golden Falls' carries small, finely lobed leaves on pendulous branches that can be staked for height or left to drape naturally; strong golden tones in spring, good color retention in bright light, and a tidy winter silhouette make it a distinctive specimen.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to bright open shade; provide afternoon protection in hot regions to preserve color.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Keep evenly moist; avoid drought and waterlogged soil.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 6 to 10 ft tall when staked, 3 to 5 ft wide, narrow weeping form.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Golden foliage creates a bright vertical accent in dappled light.
• Entry Gardens: Frames doors and paths with color and graceful flow.
• Containers: Excellent in large, stable planters for close viewing.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with dark conifers and green shrubs.
• Water Features: Reflective color and form near ponds and streams.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to maintain steady moisture.
• Pruning: Light edits in late winter to guide the leader and refine the cascade; 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; yellow types appreciate protection from reflected heat.

Why Choose Golden Falls Japanese Maple?

• Luminous Spring Color: Bright yellow flush rare in a narrow weeper.
• Space Efficient: Slender footprint fits tight beds and patios.
• Design Contrast: Lights up shade and pairs with deep greens and blues.
• Four Season Interest: Spring gold, warm fall tones, and sculptural winter form.
• Flexible Training: Stake for height or let it drape for a low waterfall effect.

For the clearest yellow and best vigor, grow in morning sun with afternoon shade and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.