Fall is just around the corner, and for gardeners in Central Virginia, that means the best season for planting trees and shrubs is about to begin. Cooler air paired with warm soil makes fall the ideal time to get new plants in the ground with less stress, and Japanese maple trees are one of the most rewarding choices.
If you’ve ever been awed by the grace and color of a Japanese maple, you’re not alone. I first fell for them during buying trips to Oregon, where I saw them used everywhere—from backyards to gas station landscapes. Even decades later, I’m still just as taken by their beauty.
When you visit the garden center, be prepared: the sheer number of varieties can be overwhelming. There are thousands of named cultivars, but most fall into two main types. Upright growers are part of the Acer palmatum group, like the popular Bloodgood. These trees reach 15 to 25 feet tall and have a more traditional maple leaf shape. Then there are the weeping types—Acer dissectum—with finely cut, lace-like leaves that arch gracefully and tend to stay much shorter and wider, around 6 to 8 feet tall and up to 15 feet wide.
Choosing the Right Maple for Your Space
Before choosing a tree, think about where you want to plant it. The location will help determine whether an upright or weeping variety is best. Most Japanese maples prefer some protection from afternoon sun, especially in our hot, humid summers. Varieties with variegated leaves—those showing white, cream, pink, or gold—can be particularly sensitive to too much sun and prone to leaf scorch.
Leaf color is another key decision point. Many red-leaf maples will fade to green in the summer, while others retain their color. In fall, nearly all varieties put on a stunning display. And if you want winter interestf, consider Coral Bark (Sango Kaku), a variety known for its vivid red stems that brighten the garden when leaves have dropped.
Low-Maintenance Beauty, Year-Round Appeal
One of the best things about Japanese maples is how little pruning they need. In fact, over-pruning can ruin their natural shape. These trees are meant to grow with grace and intention, and when given the space to do so, they become true focal points.
If you don’t have room in the ground, dwarf varieties work beautifully in containers on patios or decks. I even moved one in a container when I changed homes—it’s now thriving in its new space.
Japanese Maple Varieties
There’s no shortage of incredible choices. Here are a few to get you started:
- Bloodgood
- Crimson Queen
- Moonfire
- Emperor
- Sango Kaku (Coral Bark)
- Shishigashira
- Virdis
- Tamukeyama
- Red Dragon
- Oshio Beni
Do a little research online, or better yet, come by The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond to see them in person. We’ll help you choose the right one for your landscape—and now is the perfect time to plant.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS THIS FALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!