Acer palmatum 'Hana matoi' Japanese Maple

'Hana matoi' is a dissectum-type Japanese maple with deeply lobed laceleaf foliage that displays striking pink variegation over red in spring, shifting to deeper red and pink tones in fall. Light exposure dramatically affects its appearance: in full sun, the foliage intensifies to electric pink-on-red, while in shade it greens with white and pink variegation still visible. According to the growers at Mr Maple, the cultivar is notably heat and sun tolerant, and the name, meaning "flower" combined with the shape of a firefighter's ceremonial mop from Japan's Edo period, references both its weeping form and floral-like foliage. The tree develops a cascading umbrella habit, typically reaching 4-5 feet wide and 3 feet tall unpruned, though it responds well to staking for added height; it may occasionally revert to solid red growth, which should be selectively removed to maintain variegation.