Acer palmatum 'Koi' Dwarf Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Koi' is a dwarf cultivar from the Mikawa yatsubusa family with a dense, tightly layered branching habit. Leaves emerge with a distinctive brick-bronze hue in early spring, often displaying reddish and orange flushes over greener base growth through midsummer, before shifting to a bold orange-red in autumn. The foliage has a notably cartoonish, slightly cupped texture that distinguishes it from the typical Mikawa yatsubusa form. Slow-growing and reaching approximately 4 feet in 10-15 years, 'Koi' excels in containers, small gardens, and bonsai cultivation. According to the growers at Mr Maple, this cultivar was selected through their rigorous seven-year evaluation process and named for its resemblance to ornamental koi, a fitting choice for planting near water features, where its colorful foliage complements reflective settings. The tree tolerates full sun through zone 8 and performs reliably in zones 5-9, with good drainage essential, especially near ponds.