Waterfall Japanese Maple

To make a statement in a garden, nothing quite compares to a beautiful Waterfall Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum). With its delicate, feathery, apple-green leaves atop cascading branches, the Waterfall Japanese Maple is the perfect ornamental tree to create a focal point. It also nicely complements a water feature and makes a stunning patio display in a large decorative pot. In the fall, these petite trees shine with vibrant apricot leaves. Growing slowly 6 to 8 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide, the Waterfall Japanese Maple can fit snugly into many garden designs. 

Once mature, the Waterfall Japanese Maple can be quite drought tolerant. While these trees benefit from minor pruning and shaping, their small size and slow growth makes them a low maintenance tree. In addition, deer tend to leave Japanese Maples alone, allowing them to be placed in shadier woodland gardens. The Waterfall Japanese Maples is typically used as a decorative statement piece because of its unique shape, size, and color. You can surround it with low-growing perennials and annuals for a lovely garden vignette.

Waterfall Japanese Maple Care

Depending on the climate, Japanese Maples thrive in full sun to partial shade. In hotter, drier regions, it is best to provide some protection from intense afternoon sun and heat to prevent the leaves from burning and the roots from drying out. Japanese Maples grow best when planted in acidic, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Water the Waterfall Japanese Maple regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, taking care to never let the roots dry out completely, especially in hotter climates. Some signs of under-watered Japanese Maples include dry, crispy leaf edges. To fertilize, add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the area around the tree’s roots in early spring. 

The Waterfall Japanese Maple is generally compact and slow growing, requiring little to no pruning. Dead or damaged wood should be removed as needed, especially in the spring when budless dead branches are easiest to see and reach. It is a good idea to remove branches that may be laying on top of each other, as these can rub together and create wounds in the bark over time, leaving the tree exposed to disease and pests. After the Waterfall Japanese Maple has produced leaves, it is easier to shape the tree and remove any branches that may be sticking out at odd angles.

While Japanese Maples are cold hardy, keeping these trees in pots increases the chance of damage in the winter. In colder climates, protect the roots by bringing the container into an unheated garage in the winter–light is not needed when the tree is dormant. 

Waterfall Japanese Maple Spacing

Because of its small size and slow growth, the Waterfall Japanese Maple can be placed closer to other plants and structures than most trees, and can be used in a large container. Plant the Waterfall Japanese Maple at least 6 feet from your home and other large plants.

Waterfall Japanese Maple Information