Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’ Japanese Maple

‘Peaches and Cream’ is a compact, soft-colored Japanese maple that makes a charming addition to a small shady garden. It was discovered in 1980 as a seedling in an Australian nursery, and because of its unusual colors, small size, and form, it has become a sought-after specimen plant in the U.S.
This little tree earned its name from the spring leaves that emerge with a rosy blush over cream and deep green, reticulated veins. The rosy color fades in summer, leaving the tree shimmering with sharply serrated, creamy-colored leaves and contrasting green veins. Then, in fall, the foliage changes again to a soft yellow-orange with touches of red. Small purple-red flowers hang from the branches in spring and then develop into red samaras by fall.
‘Peaches and Cream’ grows at an intermediate rate of 9″ to 12″ a year and reaches 7′ × 5′ in 10 years. It is a compact little tree with an airy, partially weeping habit that is an excellent choice as a focal point in small properties or gardens with limited space. It is a charming addition to rock gardens and urban gardens, on either side of an entrance, in containers, and even as a bonsai.
This little tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9 in partial shade, dappled sun, or morning sun with afternoon shade. It does well in the heat but will need protection from the bright afternoon sun in the southern areas of its range. ‘Peaches and Cream’ will grow in a variety of slightly acidic soil types as long as they are well-draining, although clay soil will need to be amended with organic material if it is heavy and compacted. This tree is deer- and rabbit-resistant and somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.
Water the soil well after you plant the tree and continue every week for a season until it is established, especially during periods of dry weather. Do not let the roots dry out. While you need to keep the roots moist, Japanese maples will not do well overwatered or in soggy soil that doesn’t drain. The soil in container-grown trees will dry out quicker than garden-grown trees and will require more frequent watering.
Companions for ‘Peaches and Cream’ need to be shade-loving plants and have similar cultural requirements. Trees, shrubs, and perennials planted nearby should not crowd the maple so it can stand out as a focal point.
Evergreens, such as rhododendrons, some hollies, junipers, mountain laurels, daphnes, yews, and Oregon grape hollies, provide a dark green backdrop for the fine-textured, light-colored maple. Low-growing perennials, like wintercreepers, dwarf mugo pines, astilbes, and anemones, fill the space under and around the tree with some color and interesting textures.