Although Japanese maples are often thought of as northern trees, certain cultivars can thrive in the Southern US under the right conditions. Before you plant a Japanese maple in a hot climate, it’s important to understand the best-growing practices as well as common issues. Besides providing the ideal location and environment, it’s also essential that you choose a variety that is suited for the heat and humidity of the South. We’ll provide a list of the best Japanese maples for full sun, varieties that have been proven to thrive in southern states.
Growing Japanese Maples in the South
To understand how to care for your trees, it’s helpful to understand how Japanese maples grow in southern states. Even when you choose a variety that is suited for high temperatures, you’ll still need to provide the right care.
Light Tolerance
In their native environments, Japanese maples grow as understory trees. That means they are used to a large amount of shade and dappled light.
The exact amount of sun a Japanese maple can handle varies on your location and the variety. As you head further north, trees will be able to tolerate more sun.
In the South, where sunlight is more intense, it’s essential to provide your trees with ample amounts of shade. Afternoon shade is non-negotiable since sunlight is more intense in the afternoon than in the morning.
Planting your tree along the eastern or northern side of your house will provide your tree with afternoon shade. Another option is to plant your Japanese maple under larger trees or shrubs that provide shade.
Heat Tolerance
While most Japanese maples are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 5-8, some varieties can succeed in the higher temperatures present in zone 9.
Even though these maples can tolerate sustained temperature in the 90s and even 100s, some still require afternoon shade.
Water Needs
Japanese maples require regular watering in hot, southern climates. The amount of water these trees need depends on the time of year, wind, humidity, light, and more. In general, plants will do well with a deep watering once or twice a week during the spring and summer.
However, they don’t like sitting in damp soil, so be sure to avoid overwatering. Saturated soils can lead to problems with fungi and bacteria.
Problems with Foliage Burn
Even varieties that are suited for life in southern states can suffer problems from too much heat and light. If trees experience too much sunlight, especially afternoon light, they can develop foliage burn.
This leaf scorch can occur in both red and green varieties, but it is more prevalent in red-leaved varieties. While drought can exacerbate leaf scorch, increasing irrigation won’t cure this problem if the tree receives excessive sunlight.
Season Length and Dormancy
Even in most southern states, Japanese maples will still have times of leaf emergence, color change, leaf fall, and dormancy. Leaves start changing color in September or October and eventually fall from the trees in October–December.
Although the exact dates depend on location and variety, most Japanese maple trees are in their dormant period between December–February. Leaves start unfurling in the spring and fully leaf out soon after.
Bronzing Out of Red Cultivars
While the leaves of Japanese maples naturally change over time, too much sunlight can cause stress-induced color change. Red varieties may bronze out if they receive too much afternoon sun, especially in hot conditions.
Varieties that Can Tolerate Morning Sun
The following varieties can tolerate morning sun. The amount depends on your location, but these varieties can perform well in the following locations:
- Northern and Central Texas
- Southern Oklahoma
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Georgia
- South Carolina,
- Northern Florida
As you go north from these areas, the varieties of 32 best Japanese Maples for full sun, listed below will be able to tolerate more sun without experiencing issues with leaf scorch.
Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’
This green leaf maple has deeply divided leaves that turn brilliant shades of red and orange in the fall, leading to the name “dancing peacock.” One of the most sun-tolerant Japanese maples, this variety can handle full morning sun in southern states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama.
Leaf shape: laceleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: large
Acer japonicum ‘Green Cascade’
With bold, lacy leaves, Green Cascade is a showstopper in the garden. Fortunately, it can perform well in southern states as long as you provide dappled shade or afternoon shade.
Leaf shape: laceleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer japonicum ‘Vitifolium’
Named after large leaves that resemble grape foliage, ‘Vitifolium’ can handle morning sun in hot areas. It’s leaves emerge with bronze colors before changing to green and developing rich orange, red, and purple colors in the fall.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Arakawa’
Known for its thick, corky bark, ‘Arakawa’ performs well in morning sun or dappled shade in areas including Northern Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It can perform well in Middle Texas and Louisiana with ample shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
One of the standards in red Japanese maples, ‘Bloodgood’ has deeply lobed leaves that hold their crimson color throughout the summer. They’re well-suited to the South, as long as you provide adequate afternoon shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: red, purple, burgundy
Growth rate: large
Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’
The finely-dissected, small green leaves of the Emerald Lace make it a statement tree in Southern gardens. As long as it receives shade during the hot afternoon hours, it can thrive in hot weather.
Leaf shape: laceleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: large
Acer palmatum ‘Emperor I’
Similar to “Bloodgood” but with better color retention, Emperor I is a good choice for a large, red Japanese maple. While it doesn’t like intense afternoon sun, it can handle morning sun in areas with high temperatures.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: red, purple, burgundy
Growth rate: large
Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’
One of the most heat-tolerant Japanese maples, ‘Fireglow’ keeps its brilliant burgundy color even during periods of intense heat. As long as you provide shade during the hottest hours of the day, ‘Fireglow’ is resistant to scorching.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: red, purple, burgundy
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Goshiki kotohime’
This dwarf variety puts on a show with variegated green leaves that eventually turn a striking orange in the fall. As long as you provide proper shade, ‘Goshiki kotohime’ will perform well in southern gardens.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: dwarf
Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’
In the spring, ‘Katsura’ has bright yellow leaves with stunning red margins. While color fades in the summer, this variety stands strong in temperatures in the 90s and even 100s.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: yellow
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Koto no ito’
With slender green leaves that turn bright orange and red as temperatures drop, ‘Koto no ito’ is a great dwarf variety for southern gardens. It can withstand hot temperatures as long as it is protected from the afternoon sun.
Leaf shape: strap-leaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: dwarf
Acer palmatum ‘O jishi’
‘O jishi’ grows well without succumbing to leaf burn, so it’s a good variety for hot locations including Central Texas and bordering states. Its lack of lateral branching provides an interesting shape in the garden.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: dwarf
Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’
The yellow leaves and red margins of ‘Orange Dream’ are stunning. While this variety can do well in the South, it prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: yellow
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’
Since it’s more leaf scorch resistant and drought-tolerant than most other Japanese maples, ‘Osakazuki’ can grow even into zone 9b in Central Florida! Plus, its red fall leaves are vibrant.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: large
Acer palmatum ‘Ryusen’
While ‘Ryusen’ may appear delicate due to its weeping form, it can survive well in hot temperatures. As long as it is protected from the intense afternoon sun, it can perform well into Central Texas and Northern Florida.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Sango kaku’
Even when this maple drops its leaves, it still adds color with its bright coral colored branches. Protect it from the afternoon sun, and it can thrive in climates as hot as 9b.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Seiryu’
With exceptional hardiness and heat tolerance, ‘Seiryu’ is one of the best Japanese maples for hot conditions. It grows well in Zone 9, which means it can thrive in parts of Texas and Florida where few other varieties can. Plus, the unique pairing of an upright habit and lacy leaves will make a statement.
Leaf shape: laceleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer shirasawanum ‘Sensu’
‘Sensu’ can survive temperatures in the 90s with heat indexes in the 100s without showing any signs of damage. The flaming red fall leaves made this one a stunner.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’
A stubby variety with clumps of leaves leading to a name meaning “lion’s mane,” this variety has interesting curled leaves. It prefers dappled light or morning sun and afternoon shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: dwarf
Acer palmatum ‘Summer Gold’
The bright yellow leaves of ‘Summer Gold’ can survive the hot summer sun without burning, which makes it stand out from many other yellow leaf varieties. It can survive direct sun, but also does well with afternoon shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: yellow
Growth rate: large
Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’
Similar to the popular ‘Crimson Queen’ variety but with a more rigid leaf, ‘Tamukeyama’ is a sun-tolerant variety. The bright red leaves turn a brilliant deep purple-red in the fall, which remains throughout even hot and humid summer conditions.
Leaf shape: laceleaf
Leaf color: red, purple, burgundy
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Trompenburg’
With an upright habit and magnificent purple/red color that lasts throughout the year, ‘Trompenburg’ is a gorgeous large variety. It prefers afternoon shade in southern states to escape the intense afternoon sun.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: red, purple, burgundy
Growth rate: large
Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma beni’
Similar to ‘Tsuma gaki’ but with more divided leaves, ‘Tsuma beni’ has springs leaves that appear green with red margins. As long as you provide afternoon shade, it can perform well in Central Texas and similar climates.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: multicolor
Growth rate: dwarf
Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma gaki’
Stunning cupped yellow-green leaves with red tips emerge in the spring and turn red in the fall. In southern states, leaf scorch can be a problem with full sun exposure, so it’s best to plant in an area that receives afternoon shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: multicolor
Growth rate: dwarf
Acer palmatum ‘Twombly’s Red Sentinel’
With a rare, columnar form, this variety will stand out in the garden. If planted in zones 8 or 9, it will do best with afternoon shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: red, purple, burgundy
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Waterfall’
Although it performs well in cool and shady conditions, ‘Waterfall’ can also survive higher temperatures found in southern states. With sun exposure, the leaves develop orange highlights. However, with too much sun exposure, they will scorch.
Leaf shape: laceleaf
Leaf color: green
Growth rate: intermediate
Varieties that Can Tolerate 1-2 Hours Morning Sun
The following varieties can perform well in southern areas including North and Central Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, and Northern Florida. However, in these hot areas, they can only tolerate 1-2 hours of morning sun.
Acer palmatum ‘Aka shigitatsu sawa’
The beautiful reticulated leaves on this variety require protection from the sun, so they can only handle a few hours of morning sun in hot climates.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: multicolor
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Amagi shigure’
A showstopper with bright leaves and dark red veins, ‘Amagi shigure’ is not a fan of the sun in the hot South. To help it perform best, make sure it receives mostly dappled light or shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: red, purple, burgundy
Growth rate: dwarf
Acer palmatum ‘Geisha Gone Wild’
This variety is noted by its green/purple leaves coupled with pink and cream margins. While the colors are spectacular, this variety can only handle a small bit of sun in southern states.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: multicolor
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer palmatum ‘Olsen’s Frosted Strawberry’
If you’re looking for pink maple, you’ve found it! The reticulated leaves of this variety don’t handle sun well, so make sure to provide an adequate amount of shade.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: multicolor
Growth rate: dwarf
Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’
The bright spring colors that are reminiscent of peaches and cream make this reticulated variety a stunner. Make sure to protect this maple from the sun except for a couple of hours in the morning.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: multicolor
Growth rate: intermediate
Acer shirasawanum ‘Jordan’
Yellow spring leaves with orange margins will turn to yellow-green in the summer. Since this variety does best with shade in hot locations, it’s leaves will stay light green.
Leaf shape: broadleaf
Leaf color: yellow
Growth rate: large
Choose a Japanese Maple Suited for the South
Now that you know you to select and care for a Japanese maple for hot climates, it’s time to select one that’s right for your conditions.
