An upright, slender variegated maple with small grey-green leaves edged in creamy-white and pink, tinting rose-magenta in autumn. A refined cultivar for containers and small gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Japanese Maple 'Butterfly'
Acer palmatum 'Butterfly' is a slow-growing shrub in the Sapindaceae family. It reaches around 3 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with deciduous, variegated and rich in autumn colour foliage.
Where to grow Japanese Maple 'Butterfly'
Japanese Maple 'Butterfly' suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Japanese Maple 'Butterfly' does best in loamy, free-draining and acidic soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Japanese Maple 'Butterfly' is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Japanese Maple 'Butterfly' in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Japanese Maple 'Butterfly' in the garden
Japanese Maple 'Butterfly' earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Japanese Maple 'Butterfly' with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Buying Japanese Maple 'Butterfly'
Plant Sale lists Japanese Maple 'Butterfly' as potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.