Kotohime Japanese Maple

One of our smallest Japanese maples, and perfect for that special small place in your garden, the Koto Hime Japanese Maple is a jewel, slowly developing into a rounded bush 2 feet tall, and probably maturing around 4 feet tall. Slow-growing, it is an ideal tree for that first bonsai you have been dreaming of, or for growing among a collection of dwarf evergreens. If you have a small area you are developing as an Asian or Japanese garden, this tree is just what you need. Spring growth is rose-pink to orange-red, darkest around the leaf edges. The color matures to a warm green over summer, and then bursts into yellow and orange flames for fall. With just about the smallest leaves of any Japanese maple, these are held horizontally, overlapping like shingles on a roof. This charming miniature is popular with bonsai growers, and ideal for cultivating in a pot, even if you don’t do formal training. Perfect as a special gift for a special person in your life.

• A miniature tree, growing 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, in time
• Small leaves are deeply divided, and held horizontally, like roof shingles
• Spring leaves are pale pink to orange-red
• Fall colors are vibrant golds and oranges
• Widely used for pots, and a favorite with bonsai growers

Plant your Koto Hime Japanese Maple in a spot with some morning sun, but protection from the hot afternoon sun, especially in summer. Grow it in moist, well-drained soil that you have enriched with compost. Grows best in neutral to acidic soils, and we recommend lime-free potting soil for container growing. Water regularly, as needed, throughout the life of this tree, but especially when newly planted or in a pot. In zones 5 and 6, pots should be buried in the ground for the winter or kept in a cold place, like an unheated shed or garage. Not suitable for growing indoors, as it needs long periods of winter cold below 40 degrees F. When in leaf, only bring indoors for short periods – this is not an indoor plant. Generally free of pests or diseases. If leaves should scorch after mid-summer, don’t worry, it will leaf out perfectly the next spring.