Acer palmatum 'BENI MAIKO' Japanese maple
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-2,5m
usual width
1-2m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
insignificant or non-blooming
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Japanese maples are the „crème de la crème“ of every garden. A majestic looking tree needs no pruning at all and we recommend letting it form its own shape.
Description of the plant:
Beni Maiko is a fantastic variety of Japanese maple with brilliant red new foliage. Its Japanese name means a red-haired dancing girl. The deciduous leaves are not large, only about 5 cm across, but their emerging colour in the spring is striking and is even more enhanced when new leaves mature in early summer while the branches keep producing fresh new red foliage at their ends. This makes this maple a unique specimen in every garden. It grows slowly about 2.5m tall and wide. Beni Maiko forms naturally a dense and bushy shrub with a neat, oval-shaped or almost rounded habit. Pruning is not necessary but can be done if you wish to shape it. Its fire-red leaves will look best when accompanied by shrubs of differently coloured foliage. It is an easy-care, hardy plant, which does not need much maintenance.
Japanese maples prefer acidic to neutral soil, moist but well drained, semi-fertile. For best leaf colouring it needs plenty of sun so make sure the roots are well mulched, too. Owing to its reduced size it is suitable for small gardens and front yards, too, as well as large pots. Fully hardy to -24°C (USDA zone 6), plants older than 5 year to -27°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 25-06-2010
