Acer palmatum ‘Rainbow’ Japanese Maple

‘Rainbow’ Japanese maple is a beautiful, small, upright tree with stunning variegation that lasts from spring through fall. Its color and size make it a perfect addition for small properties in a rock garden, container, patio, on either side of an entrance, or even for bonsai. It was discovered and introduced by the Buchholz Nursery in Oregon as part of the Flora Wonder Collection.
This small tree is a dwarf, growing 9″-12″ per year, attaining a height of 8′-9′ and width of 5′-6′ in 10 years. Its deeply cut, palmate leaves emerge dark plum-red in spring with some pink variegation. By summer, the colors transition to deep burgundy with pink and white splashes; in fall, the foliage blazes in brilliant reds and pinks before the leaves drop. Variegation differs from leaf to leaf, making for an eye-catching display.
‘Rainbow’ Japanese maple is hardy in zones 5 to 9. It is adaptable to most soil types, such as loam, silt, sand, and clay, as long as they are loose and well-draining and have a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They do not do well in alkaline or salty soils. Because of the light variegation on the leaves, ‘Rainbow’ needs protection from the hot mid-day and afternoon sun, or the foliage may burn. It grows best in partial shade or morning and evening sun, especially in the hotter regions of its hardiness zones.
Japanese maples need moist soil that is well-draining but never soggy. To achieve this, amend the soil with compost for good drainage and avoid planting in low-lying areas or places that collect water when it rains. Water the tree well when you plant it and weekly for the first year while the roots are establishing. Water more frequently during dry spells and less when it rains.
Companion plants around, under, or near the tree need to have the same general cultural requirements of partial shade and moist, organically rich soil as ‘Rainbow.’ Additionally, since its colors are so striking, it shows off best as a focal point if given space and not crowded with other plants.
It does well with shrubs like hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurels, abelias, and weigelas. Perennials, such as astilbes, ferns, Japanese anemones, hellebores, Hakone grass, and coral bells, provide color and texture around the tree. And groundcovers, like hostas, creeping phlox, periwinkle, Hakone grass, sedums, ajuga, and pachysandra, make for a cohesive living carpet underneath.
In addition to its other excellent qualities, ‘Rainbow’ Japanese maple is deer- and heat-resistant and resistant to most insect pests and diseases.