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Butterfly Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Butterfly'

Original price $129.95 - Original price $1,299.50
Original price $259.90
$129.95 each
$129.95 - $974.63
Current price $129.95 each

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Will thrive in

Not suited for outdoor growing in

Select Size: 2-3 Feet 24-36" Tall
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The Butterfly Japanese Maple is a captivating small tree with variegated foliage that transitions through shades of pink, green, white, scarlet and magenta throughout the seasons. This slow-growing, vase-shaped tree is ideal for smaller gardens or containers and features stunning fall color with minimal maintenance requirements.

Butterfly Japanese Maple: Dazzling Colors for Your Garden All Year Round

The Butterfly Japanese Maple is a living piece of art that transforms throughout the seasons. Soft blush of pink in spring, the vibrant contrast of green and white all summer long, and then the fiery finale of scarlet and magenta as fall arrives. This low-maintenance Japanese Maple thrives in even small spaces, bringing a touch of serenity and year-round magic to your yard.

  • Thrives with minimal care
  • Year-Round ever-changing foliage
  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Leaf color changes with seasons

This slow-grower reaches a maximum height of 10-12 feet, making it a perfect fit for smaller gardens and containers. Unlike its towering relatives, the Butterfly Maple won’t overpower your landscape, instead it adds a touch of graceful elegance with its refined vase-shape. But don’t be fooled by its size - this compact wonder packs a punch with its dazzling, multi-season display.

Unlike other more high-maintenance plants, this low-fuss beauty flourishes with just moderate watering and minimal pruning. This means you can spend less time worrying about upkeep and more time enjoying the captivating display of color this unique tree brings to your garden throughout the year.

History of the Butterfly Japanese Maple

While the Butterfly Japanese Maple itself doesn’t have a long documented history, it stems from the much older tradition of cultivating Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) in Japan. Japanese Maples have been cultivated in Japan for centuries, prized for their beauty and symbolic meaning.

The Butterfly Japanese Maple cultivar itself is a relatively recent discovery, emerging from a batch of seedlings in a Japanese nursery around 1938. Due to World War II, the Butterfly Maple wasn’t introduced to Europe until the 1970s, where it quickly gained recognition.

Butterfly Japanese Maple Planting Distance

Image demonstrates how far apart to plant Butterfly Japanese Maple

How to Plant Butterfly Japanese Maple

Choose the Right Spot

Your Butterfly Japanese Maple prefers full sun to part shade. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch. Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.

Measure the Space

This slow-growing tree matures to a height of 10-12 feet and a spread of 8-10 feet. If planting multiple Butterfly Japanese Maples, allow for 10 feet of space between each tree for proper growth.

Dig the Hole

Dig a hole that is slightly wider and deeper than the root ball of your Butterfly Japanese Maple.

Plant It

Carefully remove the tree from its container and gently loosen any circling roots. Position the tree in the hole so that the root flare (the area where the trunk widens at the base) sits slightly above the soil level. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Water Thoroughly

Water your newly planted Butterfly Japanese Maple deeply, soaking the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes.

Mulch and Care

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Water regularly, especially during the first growing season and hot, dry spells. Aim for moist but not soggy soil.

Why Choose Butterfly Japanese Maple?

This low-maintenance beauty thrives in even small spaces, bringing a touch of serenity and year-round magic to your garden. Don’t settle for boring landscaping - create a masterpiece of color and elegance. Bring the Butterfly Japanese Maple home today from PrivacyShrubs.com and experience the joy of nature’s artistry in your own backyard.

Watering

Water regularly, especially during the first growing season and hot, dry spells. Aim for moist but not soggy soil.

Fertilizing

Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth, but avoid over-fertilizing variegated varieties.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is needed. Prune in late fall or winter to remove dead or crossing branches, using sharp, sterilized pruners.

Mulching

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Monitoring

Keep an eye out for signs of pests or diseases, and address them promptly with organic methods whenever possible.

Winter Care

Provide winter protection in colder climates by wrapping the trunk with burlap or other breathable material.

When it Arrives

Give your new arrival a long, deep soak to hydrate the root ball.

During the First Year

Water regularly, especially during hot weather or dry spells. Aim for the soil to be moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

After the First Year

Established trees are more drought tolerant, but still appreciate occasional watering during extended dry periods. Monitor the soil moisture and water when the top few inches feel dry.

When It Arrives

No need to fertilize when you first plant your Butterfly Japanese Maple. The existing soil nutrients will be sufficient for the initial growth.

During the First Year

Hold off on fertilizing during the first year as your new tree establishes itself.

After the First Year

In early spring, apply a light dose of slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Important: For variegated varieties like the Butterfly Maple, avoid using too much fertilizer as it can diminish the vibrant leaf colors.

When to Prune

Prune your Butterfly Japanese Maple during its dormant season, ideally in late fall or winter. Avoid pruning in spring when the sap is flowing freely.

Cut Off Bad Branches

Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These detract from the tree’s beauty and can harbor pests or diseases.

Shape the Tree (Optional)

If desired, you can lightly prune to shape the tree’s vase-like form. Focus on removing any wayward branches or crossing branches that disrupt the overall look.

Keep it Neat (Optional)

For a tidier appearance, you can remove any low-hanging branches that obstruct walkways or clutter the base of the tree.

Encourage Growth (Optional)

To promote bushier growth, you can lightly prune the ends of branches by a few inches. This encourages new buds to sprout, creating a fuller look.

Clean Up

After pruning, remove all debris from the base of the tree to discourage pests and diseases. Use sharp, sterilized pruners to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the tree.

How much sun does a Butterfly Japanese Maple need?
Your Butterfly Japanese Maple will thrive in full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
How big does a Butterfly Japanese Maple get?
This compact tree can mature to a height of 10-12 feet and a spread of 8-10 feet. It’s a perfect choice for smaller gardens or containers.
What kind of soil does a Butterfly Japanese Maple need?
Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
How often should I water my Butterfly Japanese Maple?
Water regularly, especially during the first year and during hot, dry periods. The soil should be moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Established trees are more drought tolerant but still appreciate occasional watering during extended dry spells.
Do I need to fertilize my Butterfly Japanese Maple?
Yes, but not too much! In early spring, apply a light dose of slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. For variegated varieties like the Butterfly Maple, avoid using too much fertilizer as it can diminish the vibrant leaf colors.
How do I prune a Butterfly Japanese Maple?
Minimal pruning is needed. Prune in late fall or winter to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. You can also lightly prune to shape the tree or remove low-hanging branches for aesthetic purposes. Always use sharp, sterilized pruners and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is flowing.
Is the Butterfly Japanese Maple fast-growing?
No, the Butterfly Japanese Maple is a slow-growing tree, maturing to its full size over many years. This makes it a great choice for smaller gardens where space is limited.
Is the Butterfly Japanese Maple deer resistant?
While deer may occasionally browse on Japanese Maples, they are not typically a major problem. Planting your Butterfly Japanese Maple in a location with plenty of other food sources for deer can help deter them.
Is the Butterfly Japanese Maple suitable for containers?
Absolutely! The Butterfly Japanese Maple’s compact size and slow growth make it a perfect candidate for container planting. Choose a pot with good drainage and ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the tree’s mature size.

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We provide products that create quick privacy barriers from neighbors while also improving your home's beauty. Our mission is to create an outdoor space that your family can enjoy while also making your home beautiful. PrivacyShrubs.com can help you every season, whether you get a new pool or hottub or even an entirely new home.

We have a fresher and wider selection than local big-box home and garden centers, and we carry our items year-round, delivering them to your home for free. We have the deepest selection of privacy trees, landscape shrubs, and shade trees, offering a free 1-year warranty that guarantees their survival and size upon delivery. PrivacyShrubs.com is a modern, tech-enabled small business that offers more product data, analytics, and product details than any other online nursery retailer.

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