Acer palmatum Yuki yama

Acer palmatum Yuki yama is a extremely slow growing dwarf maple.  Yuki yama means ‘Snow on the Mountain’ in Japanese.

Acer palmatum Yuki yama is a very rare dwarf maple with light green, pink and white variegation in the spring.  As the leaves mature the white and green variegation becomes dominate. Yuki yama was most likely was a chance seedling from  Mikawa yatsubusa.  

Yuki yama should be grown in a small container and kept on the dry side with no direct sunlight. A patio or deck with indirect light is best for this little cutie.  I think this maple could live in its 5-6″ container for at least 2 or more years. The new growth is primarily light green, pink and white. Some leaves will be white, some variegated with green and some will remain green. The leaves are small – about 1/2 inch, as is the overall structure of this little gem.  Fall color shows hints of crimson. 

Estimated new growth is 1-2″ per year. Yuki yama in currently grown in pint size containers called Welch pots. Slow growing maples require less water than fast growing ones. When you plant a slow growing dwarf cultivar in a container please remember to not oversize the container for the size of the root ball and use less water than you normally would.  Yuki yama is not forgiving if you violate this basic standard. Refunds and replacements are not offered for this cultivar. 

Limited availability – Available now are high grafts with larger root stock. Two gallon Yuki yama are sold out. 

First photo is courtesy of Buchholz Nursery. Other photos show high graft Yuki yama.