Nebula Japanese Maple

Nebula Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Nebula')

Nebula Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Nebula') is a compact, upright reticulated selection noted for spring leaves flushed pink to rose with dark green veining, softening to mottled light green in summer and warming to orange to red in fall; its layered branching, fine texture, and patterned foliage create a standout specimen for shaded borders, entries, and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Nebula' displays pronounced leaf reticulation that glows in dappled light, with short internodes and a tidy, upright rounded canopy that reads elegant up close and holds color well in cool spring conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to partial shade; avoid hot afternoon sun to preserve color and limit scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain even moisture; avoid drought and waterlogged conditions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 12 ft tall and 6 to 10 ft wide, upright rounded.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Reticulated pink spring foliage delivers high contrast in filtered light.
• Entry Gardens: Frames paths and patios with color and texture.
• Containers: Excellent in large, sheltered planters for close viewing.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with conifers and solid green shrubs.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stone, water, and gravel elements.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil consistently moist.
• Pruning: Light structural edits in late winter; avoid heavy midsummer cuts that stress foliage.
• 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: Shelter from drying wind to reduce leaf scorch; generally resilient when soil drains well and airflow is good.

Why Choose Nebula Japanese Maple?

• Distinctive Reticulation: Pink flushed spring leaves etched with dark veins.
• Seasonal Brilliance: Mottled summer canopy and vivid fall color.
• Manageable Size: Ideal for residential landscapes and patios.
• Close Up Appeal: Layered branching rewards near viewing and container placement.
• Design Impact: Adds bold contrast and texture to shaded plantings.

For the clearest pattern and healthiest canopy, combine morning sun with afternoon shade and maintain steady, well drained soil moisture.