Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kiyohime Japanese maple
IntermediateAcer palmatum 'Kiyohime'
A dwarf, small-leaved maple with a beautiful spring flush: young leaves are edged red-purple, turn green in summer and colour yellow, orange and red in autumn. It spreads wider than tall with dense branching—a staple for shohin maples.
About
Kiyohime is a cultivar of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) and a staple small-leaved dwarf maple for bonsai. Japanese bonsai guides place it among the yatsubusa forms of the yama-momiji group, noting its small leaves and beautiful spring flush. According to NC State University's plant database, 'Kiyohime' is a dwarf, spreading cultivar that reaches only 60–90 cm tall but grows about twice as wide, with dense, horizontal branching. Its early spring leaves have a distinctive red-purple border, turn green in summer and colour yellow, red and orange in autumn. It is quite tolerant of hot summers and is often used for bonsai. It differs from ordinary Japanese maple and 'Deshojo' in its small leaves and stature, spreading habit and coloured leaf margins in spring. 'Kotohime', another small-leaved form, has even tinier leaves and shorter internodes. Because the leaves are naturally small, it balances well even in small pots. From shohin material to finished trees, it is regularly available from bonsai nurseries.
Size of the Kiyohime Japanese maple
The Kiyohime Japanese maple grows to Dwarf, 60–90 cm tall and about twice as wide.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (cultivar of Acer palmatum; little documented about its origin)
Lifespan
Little data for the cultivar
Size
Dwarf, 60–90 cm tall and about twice as wide
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (spring and autumn, sparingly)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Sun and good airflow; it dislikes afternoon sun, so shade 50–70% from the end of the rainy season to early September to prevent scorch
Watering
Dries fast once in leaf: about twice daily in spring, 2–3 in summer, every 1–2 days in winter, aiming at the soil. Summer drought spoils autumn colour
Temperature & overwintering
Cold-hardy (USDA zones 6–9) and fairly heat-tolerant. After leaf fall let it see a few frosts, then shelter from drying wind and late frost
Soil & repotting
Free-draining mix; repot around March before budbreak, every 2–3 years (1–2 for mini), pruning roots to encourage fine feeders
Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer in mid-April once leaves harden, a top-up in May; autumn feeding from mid-August, finishing in September to aid colour
Pruning & styling
Branching is dense—pinch the central bud mid-March to mid-April to fork shoots. Thin crowded leaves in mid-June to let in light and air; prune around leaf fall
Pests & cautions
Aphids on new shoots and powdery mildew from the rainy season. The thin leaves are easily damaged by sprays—follow label rates
Kiyohime Japanese maple FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Kiyohime Japanese maple?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Kiyohime Japanese maple get?
The mature size of Kiyohime Japanese maple is Dwarf, 60–90 cm tall and about twice as wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Kiyohime Japanese maple?
Kiyohime Japanese maple: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (spring and autumn, sparingly). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Kiyohime Japanese maple?
The price of Kiyohime Japanese maple varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. Not a registered variety under the Plant Variety Protection Act (no Acer 'Kiyohime' in the MAFF database, checked Sept 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search) / MAFF Plant Variety Registration Database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
How to Make Japanese Maple Bonsai Autumn Foliage Beautiful | Techniques to Bring Out Vivid Red Coloring
Explains the care methods for making Japanese maple bonsai autumn foliage beautiful. Introduces the mechanism of fall color change, summer leaf care, use of sunlight and temperature differences, defoliation techniques, and characteristics of foliage color by variety.
Bonsai Aged Wood Techniques | Creating Branch Aging Expression and Tree Age Aesthetics
Explains techniques for creating bonsai that appear aged from young stock. Introduces practical methods for expressing tree age aesthetics, from bark texture and branch structure to root development expression and changes over time.
How to Prevent Fertilizer Burn in Bonsai | Determining the Right Fertilizer Amount and Concentration
Why does fertilizer burn occur in bonsai? This explains the mechanism of osmotic pressure, how to identify early symptoms such as browning of leaf tips, why it occurs easily in midsummer and right after repotting, and emergency measures and preventive strategies.
A Guide to Giving Bonsai as Gifts | Appropriate Species and Etiquette for Longevity Celebrations and Business Opening Celebrations
This guide explains how to choose bonsai species and proper etiquette when giving bonsai as gifts for celebrations. It introduces recommended species for different occasions such as longevity celebrations and business opening celebrations, as well as how to choose species while considering management requirements.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.