A compact maple admired for its pale orange-yellow spring growth edged in red, maturing to green then returning to bright gold and orange in autumn. A reliable early-season performer.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Japanese Maple 'Katsura'
Botanically, Acer palmatum 'Katsura' is a slow-growing shrub in the Sapindaceae family. It reaches around 4 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with deciduous, rich in autumn colour and golden foliage.
Where to grow Japanese Maple 'Katsura'
Japanese Maple 'Katsura' 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 'Katsura' does best in loamy, free-draining and acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Japanese Maple 'Katsura' 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 'Katsura' in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Japanese Maple 'Katsura' in the garden
Japanese Maple 'Katsura' 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 'Katsura' with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Japanese Maple 'Katsura'
Plant Sale lists Japanese Maple 'Katsura' 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 lands.