Olsens Frosted Strawberry Japanese Maple

Olsen's Frosted Strawberry Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Olsen's Frosted Strawberry')

Olsen's Frosted Strawberry Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Olsen's Frosted Strawberry') is a rare and remarkable cultivar prized for its creamy variegation, soft pink highlights, and compact habit. The name evokes its signature spring flush�lightly marbled white and pink foliage with a delicate frosted appearance, reminiscent of strawberries dusted with sugar. As the season progresses, the leaves mature to soft green with hints of variegation, and then shift to golden and coral-red hues in autumn. This small tree is a collector's favorite and an elegant focal point in shade gardens and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Olsen's Frosted Strawberry' produces small, five-lobed leaves with irregular creamy-white variegation and strawberry-pink overtones in spring. The color intensifies in cooler climates and with filtered light. This selection forms a compact, upright tree or large shrub, typically growing 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide in 10 years. Its fine texture and constantly changing palette add layers of visual interest throughout the growing season.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade is ideal; protect from strong afternoon sun to preserve leaf color and prevent scorch.
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.
• Water: Moderate; soil should remain consistently moist but not soggy.
• Humidity: Performs best in areas with average humidity and good air movement.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; cold-hardy and dependable in most temperate regions.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Unusual foliage makes this a showpiece in garden beds or near entries.
• Container Gardens: Excellent in decorative pots on patios, decks, and shaded courtyards.
• Japanese Gardens: Soft texture and delicate color fit beautifully into traditional designs.
• Shade Gardens: Adds brightness and contrast under larger canopy trees.
• Collector Gardens: A must-have for maple enthusiasts and specialty plant lovers.

Low Maintenance Care

'Olsen's Frosted Strawberry' is a slow-growing and low-maintenance maple. Proper site placement is key to protecting its unique coloration and ensuring long-term health.

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells; avoid letting soil fully dry out during hot weather.
• Pruning: Light structural pruning in winter to shape; avoid pruning heavily during growing season.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Typically free of major issues when grown in well-ventilated, shaded conditions.
• Winter Care: Cold-hardy and reliable; mulch to protect roots and conserve moisture.

Why Choose Olsen's Frosted Strawberry Japanese Maple?

This standout selection offers a rare combination of creamy variegation, soft pink tones, and compact growth. It�s a highly ornamental tree that adds refined beauty to gardens large and small.

• Stunning Spring Color: Pink and cream marbled foliage creates a frosted strawberry effect.
• Compact Habit: Ideal for small spaces, containers, and urban gardens.
• Seasonal Beauty: Transitions from vibrant spring tones to gentle summer greens and warm autumn hues.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and adapts well to shaded sites.
• Collector�s Choice: Unique and hard to find, perfect for specialty gardens.

For rare variegation, soft texture, and delicate seasonal shifts, Olsen's Frosted Strawberry Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Olsen's Frosted Strawberry') is a standout specimen worthy of the spotlight.