Acer palmatum 'Fascination' Japanese Maple Tree

Some Japanese maples whisper. ‘Fascination’ does not. It changes all year long, and that is its particular charm — never a static plant, always in motion with the seasons.

Spring growth opens bright red to rosy crimson, the young leaves thin and luminous when backlit. As summer advances the foliage matures into a rich burgundy-green, holding color better than many red maples through heat and humidity. New flushes of growth often emerge red again, so the tree carries layers of tones at once. Autumn brings a final performance of scarlet and glowing red-orange, often more intense where nights cool early.

The habit is upright and spreading, forming a rounded canopy without becoming coarse or oversized. It gives the color impact of a red maple while remaining a manageable landscape tree — large enough to anchor a planting bed, small enough to live comfortably near the house.

Mature Size
12–15 ft. tall
10–12 ft. wide

Growth Rate
Moderate

Light Requirements
Morning sun with afternoon shade in warm climates
Filtered light ideal in hot southern exposures

Soil
Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5)

Watering
Regular watering during establishment
Maintain even moisture but avoid poorly drained locations

Cold Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–9

Landscape Uses

• Front yard specimen tree

• Accent for lawn or garden beds

• Near patios and walkways

• Small shade tree for residential landscapes

Pruning should be light and thoughtful — remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Japanese maples resent heavy shaping and reward proper placement instead.

Plant it where it can catch the lower evening light of autumn. When October arrives, ‘Fascination’ lives up to its name.