The Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Atrolineare') is a small, slow-growing deciduous tree prized for its distinctively narrow, strap-like leaves that give the plant its common name. The finger-like foliage emerges a rich red in spring, deepens to a dark burgundy-green through summer, and puts on a vivid display of bright red and orange in fall. This compact tree reaches a mature height of 10 to 12 feet tall and equally wide, making it well suited to smaller landscapes. Its graceful, upright branching habit makes it an excellent specimen tree, container planting, or bonsai subject.
The Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple is deer and rabbit resistant, and its fine-textured foliage provides dramatic visual interest throughout the growing season. It pairs beautifully with shade-loving companions such as hostas, azaleas, rhododendrons, astilbes, and Japanese forest grass. This tree is well suited for patios, garden beds, and ornamental containers where a refined focal point is desired. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8 and grows well throughout much of the United States.
Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple Care
Plant your Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple in slightly acidic, well-drained soil and shelter it from strong, drying winds. In hot summer climates, avoid locations with harsh afternoon sun, as this can scorch the delicate foliage. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to keep the root zone cool and retain moisture. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
Water your tree deeply and regularly during the first two to three growing seasons to help it establish a strong root system. Once established, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings while keeping it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pruning needs are minimal; remove any damaged or crossing branches as needed. If shaping is necessary, prune during the dormant season in late fall or winter to avoid excessive sap loss.
Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple Spacing
Plant Ribbonleaf Japanese Maples at least 10 to 12 feet apart to allow each tree adequate room to reach its full spread at maturity. This tree works well as a standalone specimen near patios, entryways, or garden beds where its fine foliage can be appreciated up close. Keep it away from overhead utility lines and large structures that could interfere with its natural form. When planting companion plants nearby, allow at least 3 to 4 feet of clearance around the base to avoid crowding the roots.
Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Trees |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 4 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 10 - 12 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 10 - 12 Feet |
| Spacing: 10 - 12 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Red |
| Flower Description: Inconspicuous; prized for foliage |
| Bloom Period: Spring |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Burgundy, Green |
| Foliage Description: Red in spring, darkening to burgundy-green in summer |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer, Rabbits |
| Tolerates: N/A |
| Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Uses: Containers, Specimen or Focal Point, Bonsai |
| Features: Attractive Bark, Dramatic Foliage Color, Fall Color, Compact Form, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: Monrovia |
| Common Name: Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple |
| Other Name(s): Ribbon Leaf Japanese Maple |
| Scientific Name: Acer palmatum 'Atrolineare' |
- SKU:
- 1231029547-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations