Japanese Maples and Conifers

In spring, ‘Baldsmith’ has leaves that emerge much more of a deep red than the burgundy color of most "red" Japanese Maples. Soon after, most of the leaf turns green leaving just the margins a very attractive red. The red and green of the bi color leaf at this stage makes the overall tree appear almost orange and gives it a very distinctive appearance. In some climates this look lasts well into the summer but in hotter climates where some afternoon shade would be greatly appreciated, 'Baldsmith' fades to green as summer takes hold. Fall color ranges from yellow to red to orange. Height: 4-6 Feet Width 6-8 Feet in ten years Spring Color: Red Summer Color: Green Fall Color: Orange Sun tolerance: Partial Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum 'Hino tori nishiki' emerges in the spring with small bright pink leaves. These pink leaves quickly change into an attractive green color. As fall approaches the leaves change to orange and eventually a bright, fiery red. 'Hino tori nishiki' has a decidedly upright habit and is a fast grower for a relatively small Japanese maple variety.  10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet   Width: 4-6 feet 

Juniperus chinensis ‘Shimpaku’, commonly known as Shimpaku Juniper, is one of the most respected and widely grown Chinese junipers in cultivation. Valued for its refined foliage, rugged character, and long-term durability, Shimpaku is equally suited for bonsai training and landscape use, making it one of the most versatile evergreen conifers available. At Maple Ridge Nursery, Shimpaku is grown for strong root systems, balanced branching, and reliable performance across a wide range of climates. Growth Habit & Mature Size Shimpaku Juniper is a slow to moderate growing evergreen with a naturally irregular, layered habit. When planted in the landscape, it typically matures to 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, though size and form can be easily managed through pruning. Its flexible branching structure allows it to be shaped, trained, or maintained naturally, making it suitable for both formal garden designs and informal plantings. Foliage Characteristics Shimpaku features fine, scale-like foliage with a dense, compact texture and deep green color that holds year-round. Unlike many other junipers, established plants produce very little sharp juvenile growth, resulting in a softer appearance that is ideal for close viewing and detailed shaping. Bark & Seasonal Interest As it matures, Shimpaku develops naturally exfoliating bark, revealing layered tones of gray, tan, and reddish brown. This peeling bark adds age and character over time, enhancing its value as a specimen plant and contributing to its reputation as a premier bonsai variety. Sun, Soil & Water Requirements Sun Tolerance: Partial Sun Soil: Well-drained soil is essential Water: Moderate water; drought tolerant once established Shimpaku Juniper performs best in partial sun and in soils that drain freely. Shimpaku should never be planted in areas where water remains standing for extended periods. Cold Hardiness & Reliability Shimpaku is cold hardy to USDA Zone 5 and highly tolerant of heat, wind, and dry conditions. Once established, it is a low-maintenance evergreen with strong resistance to common juniper pests and diseases when grown in proper conditions. Landscape & Bonsai Uses Shimpaku is commonly used as premier bonsai material. It can be used as an accent plant in Japanese inspired gardens. Shimpaku is a good option for rock gardens, slopes, and raised beds. Shimpaku is a specimen evergreen great for year-round interest. Why Choose Shimpaku Juniper from Maple Ridge Nursery? Shimpaku Juniper offers a rare combination of refined appearance, toughness, and adaptability. Whether grown as a bonsai or planted in the landscape, it develops character with age and remains visually strong in every season. Our trees are carefully selected and grown to ensure healthy roots, true cultivar identity, and reliable establishment—so they arrive ready to thrive.

Acer palmatum ‘Firefly’ is an awesome new Japanese maple with intense reticulated variegation. ‘Firefly’ is hot pink in the spring with bright green veins. The colors on ‘Firefly’ seem to change daily as the leaves range from pinks to oranges and everywhere in between. The creamy white center of the leaf and bright green veining make this one of the best reticulated leaves of any Japanese maple. ‘Firefly’ has an upright growth habit, forming a small to medium size tree at maturity. 10 Year Size: Height: 8-10 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Acer palmatum ‘Otome zakura’ is a member of the Corallinum group of Japanese maples and is one of our favorites. All of these Corallinum type Japanese maples leaf out very early in the spring, and when they do, ‘Otome zakura’ has some of the brightest red foliage you can imagine. This incredible red color typically holds through April. The colors then transition to orange and then eventually green by the end of May. Much like other Corallinum type Japanese maples and maybe more than the others, ‘Otome zakura’ will usually push new growth in the summer which resembles the bright red foliage of spring. This red new growth on top of the olive green foliage is extremely attractive. Fall color is then orange to red. ‘Otome zakura’ also grows with a very attractive, open form. 10 Year Size: Height: 8-10 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Introduced by Masayoshi Yano in 1993 this exciting plant has become wildly sought after. 'Bihou translates to beautiful mountain range. Chartreuse new leaves appear edged in red before turning a more medium green for summer. Fall color is yellow sometimes blended with orange. The real interest happens in winter when the bark turns orange - yellow and glows. 'Bi hou' is an outstanding addition to the winter garden and can be paired with 'Sango kaku' or other similar trees to create a more dramatic effect. Red buds provide even greater appeal, contrasting to the bright yellow bark.  'Bihou' is very fast growing and vase shaped when young. 10 year size: Height:  12-15  Feet    Width:  8-10  Feet

Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Chirimen’ is a dwarf hinoki cypress with rather unusual foliage. ‘Chirimen’ sends up small shoots of unusual, compact growth that is quite attractive in the landscape. ‘Chirimen’ is a great option for a centerpiece in small rock gardens or fairy gardens. Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Chirimen’ was named for the silk fabric that is used to make kimonos. 10 Year Size: Height: 4-6 feet Width: 2-4 feet

Acer palmatum ‘Dr. Brown’ is a gorgeous tree with a name that doesn’t do it justice. ‘Dr. Brown’ leafs out with peach, pink, maroon, and green tones to the delicate foliage that give this tree outstanding spring color. This color eventually fades to green in the summer and then changes to bright orange in the fall. ‘Dr. Brown’ has a very weeping habit that keeps this tree relatively small at maturity. 10 Year Size: Height: 3-5 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Acer shirasawanum ‘Moonrise’ is an excellent full moon maple with exceptional spring color. The large leaves emerge different shades of pink, peach, and orange. These leaves drastically change color over the first several weeks of spring before finally becoming a yellowish green in late spring that maintains through the summer. Fall color is orange. ‘Moonrise’ is a wonderfully growing small to medium size tree that will reach about 7 feet tall at maturity. 10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Acer palmatum 'Noel' is a variegated Japanese maple from the corallinum category of Japanese maples. Like many corallinum type Japanese Maples 'Noel' is bright red in the early spring. 'Noel' might even have the brightest red spring color of any of the corallinum type Japanese maples. What makes 'Noel' even more unique is the splashes of pink variegation that show out across much of the foliage. This bright red with pink variegation gives 'Noel' one of the best spring displays of any Japanese maple. By summer the red leaves fade to an emerald green and maintain the splashes of pink. The leaves then turn bright red again for fall. This is a newer variety for us, but has quickly become one of our very favorite Japanese maples 10 Year Size: Height: 10-12 feet   Width: 6-8 feet

Acer palmatum ‘English Lace’ is one of the very few lace leaf varieties that have an upright habit. While not as decidedly upright as ‘Seiryu’, ‘English Lace’ will still form a nice tree that is large for a Dissectum. Acer palmatum ‘English Lace’ leafs out in spring with red foliage that becomes burgundy later in spring. This burgundy color holds throughout most of the summer, but will sometimes fade to green. ‘English Lace’ then turns to bright red again in the fall. 10 Year Size: Height: 10-12 feet Width: 8-10 feet

In early spring Acer palmatum 'Shindeshojo' is one of the brightest plants in the garden with cherry red foliage. Turning green quickly as temperatures rise, patience is rewarded in summer with bright red secondary growth. Fall color is orange and red. While 'Shindeshojo' will tolerate full sun it prefers partial shade in warmer climates. 10 Year Size:  Height 8-10 Feet Width 6-8 Feet

Acer palmatum 'Fireball' is a fantastic little witches broom.  This aptly named little cultivar really packs a punch. The exciting bright red foliage of early spring lasts well into the summer even in hot climates. This tough little guy even tolerates full sun in all but the hottest climates where a break from the afternoon sun is appreciated. Fall color is red and absolutely delightful. Most literature credits David Verkade, an 8th generation horticulturalist who has discovered and named many awesome cultivars himself, with discovery of this fantastic little plant. Dave however gives credit where credit is due and will be the first to tell you that this witches broom was found by his father John Verkade in the 1980's. 10 Year Size: Height:  2-3 Feet    Width:  2-4 Feet Spring Color: Red Summer Color: Red Fall Color: Red Sun Tolerance: Full Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil