Katsura Japanese Maple

Katsura Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum �Katsura�)

Katsura Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum �Katsura�) is a vibrant early-spring standout, prized for its glowing new foliage and tidy, upright form. Emerging in brilliant shades of yellow-orange with red margins, the leaves of 'Katsura' transition to soft green in summer before finishing the season with golden-yellow and apricot hues in fall. This cultivar�s well-balanced habit and moderate growth rate make it ideal for containers, focal point plantings, and garden spaces that benefit from multi-season interest.

Distinctive Features

'Katsura' is known for its colorful spring show�the small palmate leaves open in bold tangerine and yellow with delicate red edging, giving the tree a bright, cheerful presence in the early garden. As temperatures warm, foliage matures to a subdued green, retaining a neat, refined texture. The tree typically reaches 8 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide in 10�15 years, forming a graceful, upright shape with soft branching.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade; too much direct sun may scorch new growth.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; requires consistent moisture during the growing season, especially in heat.
• Humidity: Handles moderate humidity; avoid overly wet conditions and allow airflow between plants.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; hardy and dependable in a wide range of temperate zones.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Eye-catching spring foliage makes this an ideal specimen tree.
• Container Gardening: Excellent in pots and planters where its color and form can be highlighted.
• Foundation Plantings: Soft shape and moderate size work well near homes and patios.
• Asian-Inspired Landscapes: Fits seamlessly into Japanese or Zen garden designs.
• Mixed Borders: Adds color contrast and structure to layered plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

'Katsura' is easy to grow when planted in the right location. It appreciates regular moisture and some protection from the hottest afternoon sun to keep its foliage healthy and vibrant.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in the first few years; mulch helps retain moisture.
• Pruning: Minimal; prune in late winter to shape or thin out crowded branches.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant under proper conditions.
• Winter Care: Cold-hardy to Zone 5; mulch around roots in late fall in colder areas.

Why Choose Katsura Japanese Maple?

'Katsura' offers one of the most dramatic early spring displays of any Japanese maple, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking bold color transitions and compact elegance throughout the year.

• Brilliant Spring Foliage: Glowing yellow-orange leaves with red margins light up the landscape.
• Compact, Upright Habit: Naturally balanced form ideal for tight spaces and containers.
• Seasonal Interest: Provides striking color from spring through fall.
• Low Maintenance: Requires little pruning and thrives in partial shade.
• Versatile Landscape Use: Fits beautifully into formal, informal, or themed gardens.

For radiant spring color, graceful form, and multi-season performance, Katsura Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum �Katsura�) brings lasting beauty and charm to gardens of every size.