- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 6 - 8 Feet
- Mature Spread 8 - 10 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
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
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: Trees |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 6 - 8 Feet |
Mature Spread: 8 - 10 Feet |
Spacing: 8 - 10 Feet |
Habit: Mounded, Spreading |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: N/A |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Edging, Specimen or Focal Point |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Waterfall Japanese Maple |
Other Name(s): Waterfall Threadleaf Weeping |
Scientific Name: Acer pal. dis. 'Waterfall' |
- SKU:
- 1231003985-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.
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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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.