Best dwarf Japanese maple variety - Ask Extension
Hi, we live in Portland and would like to plant a dwarf Japanese maple in a bed behind our house. I’m hoping for advice on varieties that would be b...
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Best dwarf Japanese maple variety #891392
Asked January 08, 2025, 2:54 PM EST
Hi, we live in Portland and would like to plant a dwarf Japanese maple in a bed behind our house. I’m hoping for advice on varieties that would be better with a little more heat as the spot we have picked out is in front of a south facing wall side of the house that can reflect a decent amount of heat in the summer. Previously we had a hydrangea planted here and it was plenty healthy although the leaves would get a little scorched during the hottest parts of the year.
The window it will be in front of is about 5’ high and we are hoping to prune/train it to stay under the window which is the only reason we are looking at dwarf varieties, but maybe I don’t have the best understanding of how maples are classified.
Any varieties that you can recommend? I’ll be hoping to find one for local pickup at a nursery in the Portland area ideally.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Justin and thanks for your question about Japanese maple varieties. Your spot looks great but rather than recommend varieties, I'm going to suggest a couple of nurseries to contact. They can tell you which variety will be best in a warm area and the size the tree will grow.
It's best not to totally rely on the size predicted on the tag. When you find a variety recommended, check online to see if the tag height matches the online height. They are often taller than what the tag says.
Portland Nursery has two locations and is very reputable with knowledgeable people at a desk who are happy to answer questions.
Oregon Association of Nurseries also has an online help to find more nurseries at the following site where you may be able to narrow down who carries Japanese Maples too. Their map is free and you can call the nurseries near you once you decide on a variety that fits your needs.
http://www.plantsomethingoregon.com/
Enjoy the search,
It's best not to totally rely on the size predicted on the tag. When you find a variety recommended, check online to see if the tag height matches the online height. They are often taller than what the tag says.
Portland Nursery has two locations and is very reputable with knowledgeable people at a desk who are happy to answer questions.
Oregon Association of Nurseries also has an online help to find more nurseries at the following site where you may be able to narrow down who carries Japanese Maples too. Their map is free and you can call the nurseries near you once you decide on a variety that fits your needs.
http://www.plantsomethingoregon.com/
Enjoy the search,
