Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ – Japanese Maple for Bonsai

‘Katsura’ is the early bird among Japanese maples — it is the first Acer palmatum to open its buds in spring, and what a show. Red buds swell over its light bark, then deep orange leaves emerge that progressively change their colour to brilliant yellow and pale green. At one point, from the centre to the leaf margin, all these colours are present in each single leaf. In summer, foliage settles into a clean light green before returning to warm yellow and orange tones in autumn.

The cultivar has an upright growth habit with medium vigour and medium-length internodes. Leaf size is moderate, making it practical for bonsai at small to medium scale. Bark is smooth throughout development, displaying yellow, green and orange tones that add visual interest even in winter. In open ground, ‘Katsura’ reaches just 1 to 2 metres — naturally compact and easy to keep in proportion at bonsai scale.

For bonsai purposes, its predictable growth and balanced response to pruning make it well suited for early structural development. The multicolour spring display and compact adult size give this cultivar a distinctive character that works particularly well in shohin and medium-sized compositions. Katsura is the earliest maple to wake each spring — explore the full Acer palmatum cultivar collection.

Cultivation note: ‘Katsura’ is the earliest cultivar to flush in spring, which means it is also the most vulnerable to late frost damage. In regions with unpredictable spring weather, keep plants sheltered until night temperatures stabilise. Good morning light intensifies the orange spring tones, but protect from strong afternoon sun in summer — the delicate new leaves scorch easily.