Acer palmatum 'Beni hime' Japanese Maple

'Beni hime' is a dwarf Japanese maple with small, deeply lobed leaves that emerge in vivid coral pink in spring, transitioning through green in summer with periodic flushes of bright new growth, and shifting to pink-orange tones in autumn. The cultivar develops a naturally dense, rounded, mound-like form, typically reaching 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide over ten years, making it excellent for containers and small garden spaces. According to the growers at Mr Maple, 'Beni hime' likely originated as a witch's broom sport, possibly from *Acer palmatum* 'Coralinum', and the name reflects its dwarf, princess-like compact habit. Success with this slow-growing cultivar demands excellent drainage, ideally in raised beds or containers, careful watering to avoid overwatering, and minimal or no fertilizer, as excessive feeding promotes tender growth vulnerable to cold damage; it responds well to leaf removal for secondary flushes of smaller foliage, making it a promising candidate for bonsai.