Choosing a Japanese maple

Choosing a Japanese maple starts with choosing a location (light, wind), then a growing method (container or in the ground), and finally an aesthetic: leaf shape, colour and habit. This guide gives clear reference points to help you select a cultivar that makes sense—whether you’re a collector or simply looking for a beautiful garden tree.

The location

Exposure
  • Morning sun / bright partial shade: the most versatile situation. Foliage is usually more stable and colours are clearer.
  • Full sun: possible, but more selective. Some varieties perform very well, others can show more leaf stress during hot periods.
  • Dense shade: results are often greener and softer, sometimes with less contrast and a looser silhouette.
Wind

Wind dries foliage and increases summer stress. With the same exposure, a sheltered spot almost always gives a cleaner result—especially for finely cut leaves and variegated cultivars.

Garden / terrace effect

An Acer palmatum can be treated like a statement piece:

  • as a specimen (silhouette),
  • as part of a scene (stone, grasses, ferns, moss),
  • as a counterpoint (contrast of colours or textures).

Pot or in the ground

In a container

A container particularly highlights collector cultivars: habit, branching, and leaf detail. Compact, weeping, or very distinctive varieties are often preferred.

  • Advantages: controlled look, easy to build a collection, elegant staging.
  • Good to know: some leaf forms and some colours are more sensitive in demanding conditions (wind, harsh sun). Cultivar choice becomes decisive.
In the ground

Planting in the ground gives more presence and a more landscape-style reading. You can aim for upright, rounded or spreading habits that structure a space.

  • Advantages: volume, longevity, “small tree” effect.
  • Key point: think about the mature width, not only the height.

Leaf shapes

Palmate leaf (classic form)
  • Look: balanced, elegant, timeless.
  • Strengths: versatile, a good compromise between finesse and toughness.
  • For whom?: an excellent first choice and a solid base for a collection.
Dissectum leaf (fine “lace” foliage)
  • Look: very refined and light.
  • Strengths: collector aesthetic, superb in containers and as a specimen.
  • Watch points: more sensitive to drying out in demanding sites (wind, harsh sun), especially in pots.
Narrow / linear leaf (graphic effect)
  • Look: modern, crisp, very distinctive.
  • Strengths: a collector piece, slender and elegant silhouette.
  • Watch points: the effect can be more subtle from a distance (perfect if you love detail).
Laciniate / very cut leaf (between palmatum and dissectum)
  • Look: dynamic, lively, highly ornamental.
  • Strengths: strong character, “living” aesthetic.
  • Note: great variability depending on cultivar (we can help you choose).
Variegated foliage (variegata: cream/white/pink, marbling)
  • Look: bright, precious, very collectible.
  • Strengths: strong contrast, lasting interest.
  • Watch points: more demanding; the result depends more on the site (light, drying wind).

Colours

Green
  • Look: deep, calming, very “garden”.
  • Strength: stable appearance, excellent for building scenes.
Red / purple
  • Look: immediate contrast, strong presence.
  • Good to know: depending on light, some reds deepen (darker) or soften in summer. This depends on both cultivar and exposure.
Orange / copper / salmon
  • Look: very lively, often spectacular in spring and/or autumn.
  • Good to know: more variable depending on conditions. Ideal if you enjoy strongly marked seasons.
Yellow / gold
  • Look: brings rare light, very elegant in a composition.
  • Watch point: some varieties prefer gentle conditions to keep foliage crisp and clean.
Variegated
  • Look: precious, high contrast.
  • Watch point: more delicate; the site strongly influences the quality of variegation.

Habit and silhouette

Upright / rounded habit
  • Look: “small tree” reading, classic silhouette.
  • Ideal for: a main specimen, an entrance, a focal perspective.
Spreading / low dome habit
  • Look: horizontal presence, Japanese-garden feel.
  • Ideal for: foreground, mineral scenes, terrace edges.
Weeping habit
  • Look: cascading effect, living sculpture.
  • Ideal for: containers, specimen planting, banks, overhangs.
Compact / dwarf habit
  • Look: density, precision, “piece” effect.
  • Ideal for: collections, terraces, small gardens.
Columnar / narrow habit
  • Look: verticality without taking much width.
  • Ideal for: tight spaces, rhythm, discreet alignments.

Need help choosing?

If you’re unsure, contact us—we’ll recommend the cultivar that best matches your site and the look you want. For a precise recommendation, simply tell us:

  • exposure (morning sun / full sun / partial shade),
  • wind (sheltered / exposed),
  • container or in the ground,
  • preferred colour and habit,
  • desired effect (collector piece, garden specimen, scene…).

We can also suggest companion plant ideas (texture contrasts, colour harmonies) around your maple.

FAQ

What is the best location for a Japanese maple?

In general: morning sun or bright partial shade, sheltered from drying winds.

Can a Japanese maple be planted in full sun?

Yes, but cultivar choice becomes more important: some varieties cope better, others can show more summer leaf stress depending on conditions.

Which Japanese maple for a terrace?

Compact, dwarf or weeping forms are often best, with a well-defined foliage type (depending on exposure and wind).

What’s the difference between palmatum and dissectum?

“Palmatum” refers to the classic palmate leaf, while “dissectum” is a very finely cut, lace-type leaf—often more delicate in dry, windy conditions.

Are variegated Japanese maples more fragile?

They are often more demanding: their look depends more on the site (light, drying conditions). Well placed, they are outstanding.

How do I choose the habit (upright, weeping, compact)?

Choose based on the effect: upright for a small tree, weeping for a cascading look, compact for a collector piece in a container.