Botanical Name: Acer palmatum 'Butterfly'
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Common Name: Butterfly Japanese Maple  
Plant photo of: Acer palmatum 'Butterfly'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

12-25'

 

Flower Color

n/a

 

Flower Season

n/a

 

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Pink, White, Variegated

 

Bark Color

Green, Striped

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

High, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Tropical, Water Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

This Japanese maple has blue-green leaves that are variegated with white and a hint of pink. In the fall, white margins turn bright magenta. Grow in filtered light to full shade, as the white foliage will burn in the heat of summer. Has an upright habit, and grows 12 to 15 feet tall and about 10 feet wide, though very slowly.
As will all Japanese Maples, provide deep, rich, well composted soil. If you are amending the soil, it is best to dig in compost to the plant's eventual width, so as to provide adequate conditions for the entire, eventual root profile. Amending just the hole that the tree is planted in is akin to planting the tree in a slightly bigger pot. Plant in filtered light to full shade, avoiding any mid-day sun or reflective sun. East or north exposures are best unless thre is a very good canopy and no reflective heat. Water weekly. Do not shear.