Acer palmatum ‘Kiyohime Yatsubusa’ is a refined dwarf Japanese maple admired for its dense branching, graceful structure, and brilliant seasonal color. This compact cultivar forms a low, spreading canopy with delicate, finely cut leaves that emerge fresh green in spring, often edged with soft reddish tones along the margins. As the season progresses the foliage deepens to rich green before transforming into glowing shades of gold, orange, and scarlet in autumn.
The name “Kiyohime” has long been associated with elegance in Japanese maple collections, and the Yatsubusa form refers to its naturally compact growth and short internodes, which create a dense, layered canopy of foliage. The result is a small, sculptural tree that develops an attractive horizontal habit, often wider than it is tall.
Because of its manageable size and refined form, Acer palmatum ‘Kiyohime Yatsubusa’ is highly valued for intimate garden settings where detail and structure matter. Its fine texture and seasonal color make it an exceptional focal point in carefully designed landscapes.
Growing Conditions
-
Light: Partial sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in warmer climates
-
Water: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil but should not remain waterlogged
-
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter
-
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred
-
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8
-
Mature Size: Typically 3–6 ft tall and 6–8 ft wide
-
Growth Rate: Slow growth rate
Landscape Uses
-
Specimen tree for small gardens and courtyard landscapes
-
Japanese garden focal point where structure and form are emphasized
-
Foundation planting beneath windows or along shaded garden paths
-
Container specimen for patios, terraces, and entryways
-
Rock garden or woodland garden accent
-
Bonsai candidate due to its naturally compact branching
Graceful, compact, and richly colored through the seasons, Acer palmatum ‘Kiyohime Yatsubusa’ brings the quiet elegance of Japanese garden design to landscapes large and small.
