Upright Japanese Maples

Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ is one of the first trees to announce that spring is here and does so with eye popping color. The yellow, orange and red of early spring turns first more yellow then to a subtle green for summer. In hotter climates this cultivar should be sited in partial shade,  In cooler climates the orange lasts much longer into the summer. Fall color is bright orange or sometimes red. This cultivar was first selected at Fratelli Gilardelli Nursery in Italy in the late 1980s. 10 Year size:  Height:  10-12  Feet    Width:  6-8  Feet Spring Color: Yellow Summer Color: Green Fall Color: Orange Sun Tolerance: Partial Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

'Moonfire' is one of our favorites. It seems to grow faster and hold it's color better in shade than other red leaf cultivars. 'Moonfire' also tolerates full sun and maintains it's color into the hot Georgia summer as well as any upright variety we grow. The foliage of 'Moonfire' comes out dark purple in spring but tends to turn more red as summer nears, except in more shady locations where the color remains more purple. It's leaves are slightly translucent and tend to glow when the sun lights them from behind. Fall color is bright fiery red. 'Moonfire' was discovered by Dick Wolff in 1974. 10 Year Size: Height:  12-14 feet    Width: 10-12 feet Spring Color: Burgundy Summer Color: Burgundy Fall Color: Red Sun Tolerance: Full Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

'Nuresagi' also known as, the 'Wet Heron' maple is very fast growing especially when young. Younger plants tend to put on vertical growth faster than most varieties we grow, sometimes running out 3-4 feet upright leaders in one season. Of course it does not grow at this rate every year. The long leaders will spend some time filling out before sending out more vertical growth. Very nice white striations also appear on the bark of older wood. The name 'Wet Heron' comes from the blue cast created by silver pubescence covering the deep red leaves when they emerge in spring. This reminded the Japanese of  the 19th century, of a wet heron. 'Nuresagi' was listed in nursery catalogs as early as 1882.  10 Year size: Height:  18-20 Feet   Width:  6-8 Feet Spring Color: Burgundy Summer Color: Burgundy Fall Color: Red Sun Tolerance: Full Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil Our 1 Gallon and 3 Gallon sizes are available for shipping and in store pickup. Our larger sizes (7 Gallon and bigger) are only available for in store pickup.

Acer palmatum ‘Anne Irene’ is a very unique variety of Japanese maple. ‘Anne Irene’ emerges in the spring with bright yellow leaves with a reddish border. These leaves are shaped different than just about any other Japanese maple. The lobes are deeply divided and each lobe is somewhat dissected but not enough to be classified as a dissectum. ‘Anne Irene’ also has a very upright habit unlike most dissectums. The red border of these strangely shaped leaves fades away by summer, but the yellow color persists all the way until fall. In the fall the leaves darken to a vibrant red. 10 Year Size: Height: 4-6 feet Width: 2-4 feet

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is the only Upright Growing Lace Leaf Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is known as the only upright growing lace leaf. While there are other lace leaf Japanese maples that have some upright growing habits such as 'Lionheart' and 'English Lace', there is nothing quite like 'Seiryu'. 'Seiryu' grows with a complete upright habit that grows tall just like more common upright varieties such as 'Bloodgood' or 'Red Emperor'. 'Seiryu' even grows to be one of the bigger Japanese maple varieties that we grow, making it a great specimen tree that can be the centerpiece of any garden. Its claim to fame is that Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is considered the only upright dissectum. This is technically correct but the dissected leaf is the only similarity between 'Seiryu' and other dissectums. Actually the leaves are so much smaller, that even the leaves do not have the appearance of other dissectums. That being said, here at Maple Ridge Nurseries we love the plant we affectionately call the "weed" because it is so easy to grow. Seiryu is a fast growing  small tree that is mostly vase shaped when young growing wider and much rounder with age. The foliage appears green in spring with a slight red or pink tinge to the margins of  each leaf.  These margins quickly fade away leaving a very attractive medium green leaf for summer. Sometimes in late summer the colorful margins reappear, but this time a little more orange. Most literature describes the fall color as gold or yellow but I have never seen this except in photos from other parts of the world. In our climate the first cold air may give the tree an orange or red appearance but the leaves will always end up burgundy before dropping. What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Height: 14-16 feet Width: 10-12 feet What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Green What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Green What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Red What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Small Lace Leaf What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Full Sun What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Zones 5-9 What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Upright Japanese Maple What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'? Fast Growing Upright Japanese Maple How should Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' be planted? Elevated in Well Drained Soil Our 1 Gallon and 3 Gallon sizes are available for shipping and in store pickup. Our larger sizes (7 Gallon and bigger) are only available for in store pickup.

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

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

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

Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish' the Rare Starfish Leaf Japanese Japanese Maple Acer palmatum ‘Peve Starfish’ has one of the most unique leaf shapes of any Japanese maple. The edges of the leaves curl under themselves giving the leaves the appearance of a starfish. ‘Peve Starfish’ has burgundy-red leaves in the spring that fade to a more dull burgundy through the summer. Leaves of ‘Peve Starfish’ then turn a bright, vibrant red in the fall. ‘Peve Starfish’ is a small growing tree that will only get about 6 feet tall at maturity. The branches grow relatively compact creating a narrow growing tree that only grows about 3 feet wide. Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish' can grow in zones 5 through 9 and thrives in partial sun or afternoon shade. 7 Gallons are 4 feet tall or less and rootballs will need to be broken up to fit in shipping boxes. What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Height: 6-8 feet Width: 3-4 feet What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Dark Red What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Burgundy What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Bright Red What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Irregular Curled Starfish Shape Leaf What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Partial Sun What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Zones 5-9 What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Upright Japanese Maple What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish'? Moderate Growing Dwarf Japanese Maple How should Acer palmatum 'Peve Starfish' be planted? Elevated in Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum 'Spring Blast' has some of the most dramatically bright spring color of any Japanese maple ever in existence. 'Spring Blast' is aptly named due to the blast of color that this Japanese maple exhibits in the spring. 'Spring Blast' emerges in the spring with shining white leaves with green veins and bright hot pink edges around each leaf. This pink edging is think and covers a large portion of the leaf. 'Spring Blast' has reticulated variegation with the green veining and yellowish white base color to the leaves. As the season progresses the pink edging does fade and makes way for the reticulated variegation to take center stage. 'Spring Blast' has jagged edges that are very similar to the majority of the "ghost" varieties. The reticulated variegation remains even throughout the hot summer. During the summer the colors are mostly white leaves with green veining. Fall color is an attractive orange color.  10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet   Width: 4-6 feet

Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring' is a striking new reticulated Japanese maple cultivar discovered as a seedling of Amber Ghost by breeder Talon Buchholz. It dazzles with rosy pink spring foliage heavily etched with deep green veins, gradually transforming through summer to creamy green and finally showcasing vibrant oranges and reds in the fall. Fresh leaves emerge in spring a bright strawberry‑pink with dramatic dark green veining. 'Strawberry Spring' is considered among the prettiest spring displays of any maple. In the summer the pink fades to creamy white or light green, while new growth may retain pink highlights against green veins. Finally, foliage turns to warm orange-red with rusty tones in the fall. With so many color changes 'Strawberry Spring' offers a season‑long spectacle. 'Strawberry Spring' is an upright, moderately compact tree, expected to reach 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide within 10 years. 'Strawberry Spring' is perfect as a focal specimen. It is dramatic in spring and great for containers or small garden areas. 'Strawberry Spring' should grow well in USDA Zones 5–9, and is suitable for a wide range of climates. This beautiful tree prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. This is especially important in warmer areas to avoid sunburn and preserve the intense pink spring hues. Like most Japanese maples 'Strawberry Spring' thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Regular and consistent watering a couple times per week is needed, especially during dry spells and when the tree is young, to support health and variegation retention. Maintenance for 'Strawberry Spring' is minimal. Prune to remove dead or crossing branches for structural integrity, but avoid heavy pruning to retain the natural upright form. Due to its compact habit, it's an excellent choice for container gardening, especially in climates where winter minimal protection or controlled conditions are beneficial. Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring’ emerged naturally as a chance seedling from Amber Ghost, another popular reticulated cultivar, originally found by Talon Buchholz. 'Strawberry Spring' is often likened to other cultivars like Olsen’s Frosted Strawberry. While similar, Olsen’s Frosted Strawberry shows cream-veined leaves with deeper red undersides and more dramatic variegation by midsummer. ‘Strawberry Spring’ leans more consistently toward pink spring tones and retains a finer contrast with its green veins. In hot climates, provide light shade during peak afternoon to preserve variegation and prevent leaf scorch. Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced slow‑release fertilizer such as Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer to boost new growth. Use mulch-based moisture retention techniques to maintain root conditions. Acer palmatum 'Strawberry Spring' brings a show-stopping color display from spring through autumn—its bold reticulated pattern and seasonal transitions make it a prized choice among collectors and garden designers. It’s becoming one of the most-loved reticulated varieties. Just plant smartly, protect from harsh sun, and enjoy its colorful journey through the seasons. 10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Another of the ghost series from Talon Buchholz, this is a fine example of  a reticulated leaf form. 'Grandma's Ghost' requires afternoon shade in most climates  and mostly shade in hotter areas. Generally as wide or wider than tall, 'Grandma's Ghost' boasts outstanding spring color that is predominately creamy white or yellow with dark veins. Fall color is bright orange to red. This maple displays variability depending on growing conditions. No matter the result this is a great tree for garden enthusiasts and collectors alike. 10 year size:   Height: 4-6 Feet   Width: 4-6 FeetSpring Color: Creamy WhiteSummer Color: GreenFall Color: OrangeSun Tolerance: PartialPlanting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum ‘Wildfire’ is a brilliant, coral bark Japanese maple with light green leaves in the spring. This foliage eventually turns golden yellow to orange in the fall. ‘Wildfire’ has incredible winter interest as well with yellow to red colored bark. 10 Year Size: Height: 8-10 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Discovered by Ed "Skeeter" Rod in Pennsylvania this is a witches broom with the usual twiggy growth but a very vigorous upright habit. The small attractive leaves emerge bright red in spring before turning dark red in summer. This plant holds it's color very well even in hot climates. It also seems to hold color well in fairly heavy shade. Fall color is a bright scarlet and rather late compared to other maples. 10 Year Size: Height:  6-8 Feet  Width: 3-4 FeetSpring Color: RedSummer Color: RedFall Color: RedSun Tolerance: PartialPlanting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

A very upright vigorous growing palmatum destined to become more widely used as gardens become smaller. Foliage emerges lime green in early spring before turning darker green in summer. One of the most sun and heat tolerant Japanese Maples. Fall color is a brilliant red. 10 Year Size:  Height: 18-22 Feet   Width: 6-8 Feet Spring Color: Green Summer Color: Green Fall Color: Orange Sun Tolerance: Full Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil Our 1 Gallon and 3 Gallon sizes are available for shipping and in store pickup. Our larger sizes (7 Gallon and bigger) are only available for in store pickup.