Acer palmatum 'MIKAWA-YATSUBUSA'

Mikawa-yatsubusa is a precious gem among Japanese maples. It is a particularly slow-growing variety, whose structure (especially without leaves) and strong green branches will definitely remind you of another dwarf beauty Shishigashira. But as soon as it develops its leaves, it is clear that we have a completely unique specimen here. Now, let’s play a game: imagine the number of leaves on, say, a three-meter-tall maple … got it? Now shrivel the plant by a half or even two-thirds and try restacking the leaves along its branches in order to accommodate them all. Got the image? So, this is what I mean by foliage density of Mikawa-yatsubusa. One leaf above another, tumbled forth as if they were in a competition who gets most of the sunlight. From a distance one might even say hey, this is not a maple, it is a hemp plant!

The leaves are deciduous, palmate, and the individual leaflets are conspicuously separated from each other and acuminate. They emerge bright chartreuse in spring, mature to medium green in summer, and put on a fantastic show of fiery red and orange hues in autumn. In other words, the plant looks fresh throughout the whole growing season. It manifests a very slow growth rate and forms a widely funnel-shaped shrubs or multi-stemmed trees. Each plant is different and somewhat irregular in shape which, along with its congested and slow growth rate, makes it a sought-after piece among bonsai makers.

Japanese maples need constantly moist soil that has to be well-drained, acidic to neutral, and medium fertile. Keep it mulched all year round. It loves a location with high air humidity, e.g. at a river bank or near a pond but it is not a must. Mikawa-yatsubusa loves full sun for best autumn colours and thrives in partial shade, too. Full shade is not recommended. It is hardy to at least -29 °C (USDA zone 5) and suitable for outdoor planters, too, if kept moist but without a saucer.

Last update 09-12-2023