Acer palmatum cultivars for bonsai
Rare Japanese maple varieties available as young pre-bonsai
Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) cultivars are among the most valued choices for bonsai due to their refined leaf structure, short internodes and predictable growth behaviour. Unlike seed-grown material, selected cultivars offer consistent characteristics that allow precise control over size, branching and overall design.
At Treevaset, we specialise in Acer palmatum cultivars grown specifically for bonsai development and offered as young pre-bonsai. This page presents our curated selection of Japanese maple cultivars currently available in Europe, chosen for growers who value structure, control and long-term potential.
Why Acer palmatum cultivars matter in bonsai
Choosing the right cultivar is a fundamental decision in bonsai. Different Acer palmatum cultivars respond differently to pruning, wiring and seasonal management, directly influencing the final size and refinement of the tree.
Well-selected Japanese maple cultivars offer:
Naturally reduced leaf size and refined foliage
Shorter internodes compared to seed-grown maples
Stable and recognisable growth habits
Proven suitability for shohin and compact bonsai
Predictable seasonal behaviour without sacrificing structure
Selecting a cultivar is not about rarity alone, but about how reliably it performs under bonsai techniques over time.
Why we offer Acer palmatum cultivars as young pre-bonsai
All Acer palmatum cultivars at Treevaset are offered as young pre-bonsai, allowing growers to work on structure, branch placement and taper from an early stage. This format provides maximum flexibility and avoids the limitations of pre-styled or overworked material.
Our young pre-bonsai material is appreciated by experienced growers and bonsai clubs because it offers:
Cutting-propagated, non-grafted plants
Strong root systems developed for training
An ideal starting point for wiring and directional growth
Consistency when selecting multiple trees of the same cultivar
Young pre-bonsai is the preferred format for those who want full control over the future design of their bonsai.
Available Acer palmatum cultivars
Below you will find the Acer palmatum cultivars currently available. Each cultivar has its own dedicated page with detailed information about growth behaviour, bonsai suitability and availability.
Differences between Japanese maple cultivars
Although all Acer palmatum cultivars share the same species, their behaviour in bonsai can vary significantly. Growth habit, internode length and foliage structure differ from one cultivar to another.
Examples include:
Seigen – upright habit with fine spring growth, well suited for display-oriented bonsai
Kotohime – extremely compact internodes, ideal for mame and shohin projects
Orihime – narrow leaves and balanced growth, suited for refined development
Beni Chidori – reliable internode control and strong response to training
Each cultivar should be selected according to the intended size, style and level of refinement of the final bonsai.
European-grown material and reliable shipping
All Acer palmatum cultivars offered on this page are cultivated and hand-selected in Europe, with a strong focus on plant health and early structural potential.
We provide:
EU-wide shipping
Professional packaging for live plants
Healthy arrival guarantee
Current photos available on request before purchase
Treevaset is trusted by individual growers and bonsai clubs looking for consistent, high-quality Japanese maple material.