Acer palmatum 'KOTO-NO-ITO' Japanese maple

Koto-no-ito is a compact growing Japanese maple variety of elegant and fluffy appearance. It has very narrow, strap-like leaves owing to which it was named in Japanese ‘Harp strings’ or ‘Golden old harp’. They are deciduous, deeply lobed, divided into 5-7 gently serrated leaflets, and emerge coral red in spring, mature to fresh green, and turn glowing scarlet red and orange in autumn. It grows slowly into a V-shaped shrub or small tree with slightly spreading canopy with age.

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. Koto-no-ito will grow in full sun as well as partial shade. It is very hardy once its wood has hardened and withstands temperatures down to -29°C (USDA zone 5), and suitable for outdoor pots, just keep it moist without a saucer.

Last update 23-12-2020