Acer palmatum 'Rainbow' Pink Variegated Red Japanese Maple

The Acer palmatum ‘Rainbow’ is an extraordinary pink-variegated Japanese Maple introduced by Buchholz Nursery in Oregon, USA. Highly sought after by collectors, this distinctive cultivar combines incredibly dark red-purple foliage with unpredictable splashes of vivid pink, creating a display where almost every leaf is unique.

In spring, ‘Rainbow’ emerges in rich shades of bright red to deep plum-purple, beautifully marked with contrasting pink and reddish-pink variegation. As the foliage matures, the base colour deepens towards burgundy and almost black-red, allowing its brilliant hot-pink markings to stand out even more dramatically.

One of the most exciting characteristics of ‘Rainbow’ is the variation between individual leaves. Some may display only delicate pink markings, while others can develop large pink sections or striking combinations of pink, burgundy, purple and occasional creamy tones. This natural variation gives the tree an ever-changing appearance throughout the growing season.

During summer, mature foliage generally remains a rich dark burgundy to purple-red, while fresh growth can continue producing colourful pink-variegated leaves. In autumn, ‘Rainbow’ finishes the season with beautiful shades of brilliant red and glowing red-orange.

Growing with a naturally upright and moderately compact habit, ‘Rainbow’ makes an exceptional feature specimen for smaller gardens, courtyards, containers or specialist Japanese Maple collections. Its unusual colouring and highly variable foliage make it a true statement tree.

Care Information:

Climate Adaptability: Thrives in temperate climates and performs well in moderate South African conditions. Protect from extreme summer heat, strong drying winds and prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.

Sun Exposure: Prefers morning sun with afternoon shade or bright filtered light. Some gentle sunlight helps develop its rich red and pink colouring, while protection from intense afternoon sun helps preserve the delicate variegated foliage.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained, particularly during warm weather and while the tree is establishing. Avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely or remain waterlogged.

Soil Type: Prefers fertile, slightly acidic, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A cool, healthy root zone will encourage steady growth and high-quality foliage.

Pruning: ‘Rainbow’ requires slightly more attention than many Japanese Maples because it can produce reverted branches without pink variegation. Completely non-variegated shoots should be pruned back to variegated growth to prevent them from becoming dominant. General structural pruning should otherwise be kept minimal.

Fertilisation: Fertilise very lightly. Avoid excessive or high-nitrogen feeding, as vigorous growth may encourage less-variegated or reverted shoots. A gentle, balanced slow-release fertiliser can be used sparingly in early spring.

Mature Size: An upright small tree reaching approximately 2–2.5 metres in height and around 1.2–1.8 metres wide within 10 years, potentially becoming larger with maturity and favourable growing conditions.

Important Variegation Note: The amount of pink variegation naturally varies from leaf to leaf and from branch to branch. However, unlike cultivars where temporary green growth may later regain variegation, fully reverted branches on ‘Rainbow’ can remain permanently non-variegated. These shoots should be removed to maintain the tree’s characteristic colour.