The Top Ten Cultivars of Japanese Maples for 2024: A Guide from Acer Chasers

1/15/20243 min read

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Introduction

Welcome to Acer Chasers, your go-to source for all things Japanese Maples! As an employee at Acer Chasers, I'm excited to present to you the ten most popular cultivars of Japanese Maples for the year 2024. These stunning trees have captivated gardeners worldwide with their graceful foliage, vibrant colors, and unique forms. So, without further ado, let's dive into the top ten cultivars that are stealing the spotlight this year!

1. Crimson Queen

Crimson Queen takes the crown as the most popular cultivar of Japanese Maples for 2024. This elegant tree boasts deeply dissected, lacy leaves that emerge bright red in spring, transition to a rich purple-red in summer, and turn fiery scarlet in fall. Its cascading form adds a touch of drama to any landscape, making it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.

2. Bloodgood

Coming in at a close second is the ever-popular Bloodgood Japanese Maple. With its deep burgundy foliage and upright growth habit, this cultivar creates a striking focal point in any garden. Its leaves retain their intense color throughout the growing season, making it a standout choice for both landscaping and container gardening.

3. Emperor I

Emperor I secures the third spot on our list with its bold and vibrant foliage. This cultivar showcases large, serrated leaves that emerge in shades of deep purple-red, creating a regal appearance. As the seasons change, Emperor I transitions to a brilliant crimson, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden or patio.

4. Coral Bark

Next up is Coral Bark, a cultivar known for its stunning coral-colored bark that stands out against the winter landscape. Its delicate, palmate leaves emerge green in spring and transform into a vibrant yellow or orange in autumn. This cultivar's unique bark color adds a touch of warmth and visual interest to any garden, making it highly sought after.

5. Green Cascade

Green Cascade takes the fifth spot on our list with its graceful weeping form and delicate, lacy foliage. This cultivar features finely dissected leaves that emerge bright green in spring, creating a lush canopy. Its cascading branches and green foliage make it a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance to gardens, patios, or even hanging baskets.

6. Red Dragon

Red Dragon makes its mark at number six with its unique and fiery foliage. This cultivar showcases deeply dissected leaves that emerge crimson-red in spring, deepening to a dark maroon-red in summer. As autumn approaches, Red Dragon's leaves transform into a vibrant scarlet, creating a breathtaking display of color in any landscape.

7. Tamukeyama

Tamukeyama claims the seventh spot on our list with its cascading branches and delicate, lacy leaves. This cultivar offers a stunning display of deep red foliage throughout the growing season, intensifying to a brilliant crimson in the fall. Its graceful form and vibrant color make it a popular choice for adding drama and elegance to gardens, patios, or even bonsai collections.

8. Inaba Shidare

Inaba Shidare takes the eighth spot with its cascading branches and deep purple-red foliage. This cultivar showcases finely dissected leaves that emerge a rich burgundy in spring, maintaining their color throughout the summer months. As autumn arrives, Inaba Shidare's leaves turn a vibrant crimson, creating a captivating display of color.

9. Orangeola

Orangeola secures the ninth spot on our list with its stunning cascading form and vibrant orange-red foliage. This cultivar offers a unique blend of colors, with leaves that emerge orange-red in spring, transition to a bright green in summer, and turn fiery orange-red in fall. Its dynamic color palette makes it a standout choice for adding warmth and visual interest to any garden.

10. Sango Kaku

Wrapping up our list is Sango Kaku, also known as the Coral Bark Maple. This cultivar stands out with its striking coral-colored bark that provides a vibrant contrast against the winter landscape. Its leaves emerge a soft green in spring, transition to a bright yellow-green in summer, and turn a stunning golden-yellow in fall. Sango Kaku's unique bark and multi-seasonal foliage make it a popular choice among gardeners.

Conclusion

And there you have it, the top ten cultivars of Japanese Maples for 2024! Whether you're looking to add a touch of elegance, drama, or vibrant color to your garden, these cultivars offer a wide range of options to suit your preferences. Remember to consider factors such as size, form, and color when selecting the perfect Japanese Maple for your landscape. Happy gardening from all of us at Acer Chasers!