Winter's Columnar Red Japanese Maple

Winter's Columnar Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Winter's Columnar Red')

Winter's Columnar Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Winter's Columnar Red') is a narrow, upright selection prized for crimson spring foliage that settles to deep burgundy in summer and turns vivid scarlet in fall; its columnar habit and fine leaves deliver strong vertical accent for small gardens, entries, and tight side yards.

Distinctive Features

The naturally slender framework maintains a tidy outline with minimal pruning, while color holds well through the season in good light.

Growing Conditions

Provide bright morning sun, afternoon protection in hotter zones, and evenly moist, well drained soil to preserve leaf quality and rich color.

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color with several hours of morning sun.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist during active growth and heat.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: About 12 to 15 ft tall and 4 to 6 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

Use its vertical form to add height where space is limited or to create rhythm in repeated plantings.

• Focal Point: Columnar silhouette and red foliage draw the eye upward.
• Space Saver: Fits narrow beds, courtyards, and along paths.
• Entry Accent: Frames doorways and gates with refined structure.
• Allee or Screen: Plant in a row for a formal, color rich corridor.
• Container Feature: Performs well in large, tall pots for patios.

Low Maintenance Care

Simple seasonal care keeps the canopy dense and the outline crisp.

• Watering: Deeply water weekly during dry spells to maintain even moisture.
• Pruning: Light touch in late winter to preserve columnar habit; avoid heavy summer cuts.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow release fertilizer.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 in mulch layer over roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide wind shelter and avoid waterlogged soils to prevent leaf edge scorch.

Why Choose Winter's Columnar Red Japanese Maple?

Choose this cultivar for bold color in a slender footprint that solves spacing challenges without sacrificing presence.

• Columnar Habit: Strong vertical accent for tight sites.
• Seasonal Drama: Crimson spring, burgundy summer, and scarlet fall.
• Refined Texture: Small leaves and close nodes look polished up close.
• Design Flexibility: Works as a specimen, pair, or repeated allee.
• Straightforward Care: Minimal pruning and predictable performance.

Site where morning light can illuminate the foliage and emphasize the clean, columnar profile.