Japanese maple trees are treasured for their graceful form, intricate foliage and captivating colors. While the brilliant reds and oranges of their leaves often steal the show, the understated elegance of green varieties deserves appreciation. When allowed to reach maturity green Japanese maples develop into breathtaking specimens that make an impact in any landscape.
Japanese maple trees (Acer palmatum) comprise a diverse group of over 1000 cultivars to select from. The iconic, hand-shaped leaves are deeply cut and lacy. While red and coral barked types provide winter interest, green varieties are prized for leaf shapes and textures.
Green Japanese maples grow to be 15 to 25 feet tall and have a similar spread. Their growth rates vary by cultivar, but most only grow 1-2 feet per year when they are young. Because of their size, they are great as focal points or shade trees.
Green leafed maples display their best colors in spring and fall. The fresh, bright new growth in spring is delightful. Autumn brings golden yellow or orange tones. Some add burgundy highlights before the leaves drop.
Notable Green Leaf Cultivars
A few exceptional green leafed Japanese maple varieties include:
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Aoyagi – Also called green coral bark maple, it has lime green spring leaves fading to medium green in summer. Bark is bright green, turning coral in winter. Grows 20 feet high and wide.
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Katsura: The bright yellow leaves change to chartreuse in the spring and then to green in the summer. Fall brings golden orange and red highlights. Grows up to 20 feet high and wide.
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O isami has big, bright green leaves in the spring and summer that turn a bright orange-red in the fall. Shape starts out straight but gets round over time. Up to 20 feet tall and wide.
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Tsuma gaki – Feathery green dissected leaves turn orange-red in fall. Grows to form a cascading mound to 10 feet high by 12 feet wide.
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Viridis: The general green laceleaf type, with spring leaves that are yellow-green Changes to orange and red in autumn. Grows to a 6 foot tall, weeping mound.
Growing Conditions for Success
While Japanese maples thrive in the right conditions, they need care to flourish:
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Sun: Dappled sun or afternoon shade is ideal. Morning sun is tolerated. Avoid reflected heat.
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Soil: Rich, well-draining soil amended with compost is best. Japanese maples are sensitive to poor drainage.
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Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not saturated. Mulch helps retain moisture. Avoid drought stress.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring before leaves emerge. Avoid high nitrogen products.
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Pruning: Selective pruning when young trains an attractive shape. Mature trees may need occasional corrective thinning. Avoid heavy pruning.
Design Uses in the Landscape
The refined nature of green full grown Japanese maples makes them very versatile:
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As a focal point specimen planted alone or in a small grove.
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For seasonal color near entries or patio areas.
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To provide dappled shade over seating areas or woodland gardens.
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As an accent or specimen near water features or Asian style gardens.
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To add fine texture among foundation plantings or in mixed borders.
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Planted in containers on decks, patios, or entryways.
While flashy colored varieties get more attention, green leaf Japanese maples have sophisticated elegance. Their subtle hues, graceful form, and fine textures enable them to complement any setting. With proper care, they develop into enviable landscape specimens that draw the eye. Make room for a green Japanese maple to contribute its understated elegance to your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Full Grown Japanese Maple Trees
Here are answers to some common questions about green full grown Japanese maple trees:
How big does a green Japanese maple grow?
Green Japanese maples range in size from 2 to 30 feet tall in forms that can be weeping, rounded, dwarf, mounding, upright, or cascading. Choose the right one based on how you want to use it in your landscape.
How long does it take for a Japanese maple to fully mature?
Japanese maples can grow up to 26 feet in fifty years, depending on conditions, but most are small, slow-growing trees under 10 feet tall – ideal for smaller gardens or containers.
Can green Japanese maple varieties tolerate full sun?
Yes, green varieties and cultivars generally tolerate full sun very well, but may get sunburned foliage in late summer heat. Morning sun is better than hot afternoon sun.
What are the best green leaf Japanese maple varieties?
Some top choices include Viridis, Aoyagi, Katsura, O isami, and Green Sleeves for grace, spring and fall color, interesting bark, and adaptability. Talk to reputable nurseries to select the right one for your specific needs.
When is the best time to plant a Japanese maple tree?
Early spring before bud break or fall after leaves drop are ideal times to plant Japanese maples. This avoids excessive heat and water stress on newly planted trees.
Green full grown Japanese maple trees have captivated gardeners for centuries with their stunning elegance and beauty. With proper selection and care, you can enjoy their splendor for years to come. Consult with knowledgeable growers to pick the perfect green Japanese maple tree for your landscape vision.
Seasonal Changes of Green Bark Japanese Maples
When spring comes, green bark Japanese maples usually come to life with new green leaves that make the tree look more green overall. The green leaves on top of the green bark really makes for a vibrant display of light green color. This is another great reason to plant these Japanese maples in darker shadier areas in the yard. These types of Japanese maple with green bark can really brighten up a dark spot in the yard and add some color and pop to places that would otherwise be dull.
Acer palmatum ‘Kawahara no midori’
Acer palmatum Kawahara no midori is a fast growing, upright Japanese maple with bright green leaves and bright green bark. Many Japanese maples have a greenish bark when young, but it’s a much more natural looking green. Kawahara no midori has bright green bark that actually stands out in a crowd of other plants. The leaves of Kawahara no midori are green in the spring and summer and turn bright yellow in the fall.