Japanese Maple
Best varieties: Bloodgood (upright, dark red), Sango Kaku (coral bark), Crimson Queen (weeping), Osakazuki
Moderate
Tree
❄️ Frost Hardy
🐾 Pet Safe
🌲 PNW Growing Notes
Seattle’s most popular ornamental tree. Hundreds of varieties thrive in our mild, humid climate. Stunning fall color. Protect from hot afternoon sun and drying east winds.
☀️ Light
Part shade to filtered sun
💧 Water
Regular, consistent—don’t let dry out
🪨 Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic pH 5.5–6.5, rich in organic matter
📏 Spacing
120" apart
📅 Planting Timeline (Seattle)
🪴
Transplant Outdoors
Fall or early spring
🌸
Bloom Season
Apr–May (flowers); Oct–Nov (peak fall color)
💡 Pro Tip
Avoid heavy pruning—Japanese maples have a natural graceful shape. Water deeply during Seattle’s dry summers. Mulch to protect shallow roots.
🤝 Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
Hostas, Ferns, Azaleas, Moss