Acer palmatum ‘Geisha Gone Wild’ Japanese Maple

‘Geisha Gone Wild’ Japanese Maple is a sight to behold! This small tree’s multicolored, curled leaves and graceful vase shape make it a delightful addition to any garden. Talon Buchholtz, an Oregon nurseryman, discovered a branch with unusual coloring on Acer palmatum ‘Geisha,’ a variegated cultivar that he imported from New Zealand. He propagated the sport and named it ‘Geisha Gone Wild.’ This exceptional tree is hardier and has more consistent coloring than its ‘Geisha’ parent. In 2021, the Maple Society of North America awarded it the Maple Tree of the Year for its robust growth and beautiful coloring.
This upright tree grows 6″ to 9″ per year and reaches 6′ × 3′ in 10 years. In spring, the leaves emerge maroon, outlined in pink, and with curled lobes. Reddish-purple flowers adorn the branches and develop into dark red, winged seeds. In the summer sun, the leaves change color to green with cream margins. However, the maroon and pink coloration will stay longer on the tree in partial shade or with morning sun and shade in the afternoon. In fall, the leaves turn purple, orange, and yellow before they drop, providing three seasons of beautiful color.
Its unique coloring makes it a spectacular focal point as an accent tree in the garden. It is beautiful in a cottage garden, Japanese garden, or mixed border. It is perfect for city gardens or any property with limited space, and it also does well in containers and on patios. Its flowers attract beneficial insects, and its seeds provide food for birds and other wildlife. In addition, it is deer, rabbit, and disease-resistant.
‘Geisha Gone Wild’ grows best in rich, moist, slightly acidic, well-draining soil in partial shade. It needs protection from high winds and bright, direct sun, especially in the southernmost regions of its 6 to 9 hardiness zones. Too much summer sun and insufficient moisture can cause the leaves to scorch. Water it at planting and weekly for a season. It will become drought-tolerant after it is established, but it is best to water it deeply during periods of dry weather to prevent the leaves from curling. Trees grown in containers will need watering more frequently since the soil in a pot dries out quicker than in the garden.
Companion plants need the same cultural requirements as ‘Geisha Gone Wild.’ Rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, mountain laurels, and dwarf junipers or pines complement the tree when grown nearby. Perennials, such as anemones, iris, heuchera, lilyturf, daffodils, crocuses, glory-of-the-snow, squill, ferns, and Hakone grass, planted under and around the tree, provide additional color and texture in the garden.