Murasaki Kiyohime Japanese Maple

Murasaki Kiyohime Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Murasaki Kiyohime')

Murasaki Kiyohime Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Murasaki Kiyohime') is a dwarf, spreading selection prized for small leaves with purple red spring margins that mature to fresh green and finish orange to red in fall; its low, layered habit forms elegant tiers suited to rock gardens, front borders, and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Murasaki Kiyohime' features fine textured foliage edged in purple red at leaf out, creating vivid contrast on a naturally flattened, branching canopy; color softens in summer and returns with a dependable autumn display while the compact, tiered framework provides year round structure.

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 waterlogged conditions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 2 to 3 ft tall, 4 to 6 ft wide, slow growing, layered mound.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Low specimen with vivid spring edging for paths and patios.
• Containers: Excellent in large pots and troughs for close up viewing.
• Rock Garden: Spreads gracefully among stones and low perennials.
• Bonsai Training: Small leaves and short internodes suit styling.
• Front Border: Provides refined structure along walks and terraces.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to maintain consistent moisture.
• Pruning: Minimal; light thinning in late winter to maintain layered tiers.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Shelter from drying wind to reduce scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Murasaki Kiyohime Japanese Maple?

• Distinctive Spring Edging: Purple red leaf margins create striking contrast.
• Dwarf Habit: Space efficient form for small gardens and containers.
• Elegant Structure: Naturally layered canopy adds architectural interest.
• Seasonal Color: Reliable orange to red fall tones.
• Design Versatility: Works in borders, rockeries, and bonsai compositions.

Best performance comes with morning sun, afternoon shade, and steady, well drained soil moisture.