It's worth noting that the atropurpureum Japanese maple is a slower-growing variety compared to plain Japanese maple. One of the benefits of this variety is that it is widely available in mainstream garden retailers or available online, making it accessible to even those who may not have access to specialty nurseries or bonsai suppliers. This unique characteristic makes it a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts who are looking to add a splash of vibrant color to their collection.

The atropurpureum Japanese maple is a stunning variety that features a deeper burgundy or purple color to its leaves that lasts throughout the year. Its fantastic color, ease of care and widespread availability make it a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts of all levels of experience. The Deshojo maple is a great choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their bonsai collection. This makes it easy for bonsai enthusiasts to source this variety and add it to their collection. With proper care, these trees can thrive for decades, adding beauty and color to your collection.Īnother advantage of the Deshojo maple is that it is widely available from garden centers, nurseries, and specialist bonsai suppliers. This makes it a perfect choice for those who are new to bonsai cultivation, as well as seasoned veterans. One of the great things about the Deshojo maple is that it is relatively easy to care for, with requirements similar to the plain Acer palmatum.

Finally, in the autumn, the Deshojo maple leaves transform back to a brilliant red, completing the cycle of color that this variety is known for. As the summer progresses, the leaves turn to a reddish-green hue, adding a touch of elegance to any bonsai display.

Leaves begin growth in spring as a bright red color. The Deshojo maple is a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts due to its striking red leaves that make it stand out in your garden. Regular repotting and root pinning to create a flared out nebari.Partial defoliation to increase ramification.Wiring shaping (beware of scarring, as a thin barked tree these may take decades to fade).Plain Acer palmatum bonsai tend to be less expensive than some of the other varieties in this list, which is an added bonus.Īcer palmatum bonsai can be trained through many commonly used bonsai techniques, including: It is also widely available and easy to find raw material or established specimens. They are hardy trees that provide wonderful aesthetics throughout the growing season.Īs the pure form of the species, plain Acer palmatum is a hardier and healthier plant than some of its specialty cultivars which makes it a great choice for beginners. The regular variety of Acer palmatum is still one of the very best Japanese maples you can use as a bonsai subject. In this blog we'll explore some of the best Japanese maples for bonsai, including their aesthetic value and horticultural nuance. Many cultivars of Japanese maple exist in bonsai, show-casing different properties of this species as well as offering varying horticultural challenges. They are valued for many characteristics, from their color changing leaves to the propensity to grow wide nebari with fused roots. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are one of the most iconic species used in bonsai.

Types of japanese maple trees