Acer palmatum 'Ueno yama' Japanese Maple

The Acer palmatum ‘Ueno yama’ is a spectacular upright Japanese Maple celebrated for its exceptionally bright spring foliage and beautiful seasonal transformations. Also known as ‘Ueno homare’, this distinctive cultivar creates an almost flowering effect when its brilliant orange and golden foliage emerges in spring.

In early spring, ‘Ueno yama’ bursts into growth with striking golden-yellow to brilliant orange leaves edged in vivid orange-red and red. When viewed across the entire canopy, the intense colouring creates a glowing orange display that can appear almost as though the tree is covered in flowers.

As spring progresses, the vibrant orange tones gradually soften into bright yellow-green foliage, before maturing to a fresh medium green during summer. The leaves are delicately textured with deeply toothed lobes, giving the canopy a light, refined appearance.

In autumn, ‘Ueno yama’ once again becomes a standout feature in the garden, transforming into brilliant shades of yellow-orange, fiery orange, and glowing red before the leaves fall.

With its naturally upright, graceful growth habit, ‘Ueno yama’ develops into an elegant medium-sized specimen tree. Its extraordinary spring colour makes it an exceptional choice for collectors or gardeners looking for a Japanese Maple that delivers one of the brightest early-season displays.

Care Information:

Climate Adaptability: Thrives in temperate climates and performs well in many moderate South African conditions. Protect from excessive heat and hot, drying winds, particularly while young or establishing.

Sun Exposure: Prefers morning sun with afternoon shade or bright filtered light in warmer climates. Gentle sunlight helps develop its brilliant spring colouring, while protection from intense afternoon sun helps maintain foliage quality.

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. Good drainage and a cool root zone encourage healthy, steady growth.

Pruning: Requires minimal pruning. Its naturally upright form develops beautifully with age. Light structural shaping or removal of damaged and crossing branches can be carried out during winter dormancy if required.

Fertilisation: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid excessive high-nitrogen fertilisation, which can encourage overly vigorous growth.

Mature Size: A medium-sized upright Japanese Maple reaching approximately 2.5–3.5 metres in height and around 1.8–2.5 metres wide within 10 years, with the potential to become larger with maturity and favourable growing conditions.