Acer palmatum 'Lily Pad' Dwarf Japanese Maple

'Lily Pad' is a variegated sport of 'Mikawa yatsubusa' with an unusually low, spreading, arching habit that distinguishes it within the Mikawa family. The foliage is notably finer and more divided than typical Mikawa yatsubusa, with thin, ruffled leaves bearing a distinctive sickle-like variegation that shifts from cream and pale mint in spring to increasingly bright variegation by summer, then to orange-red with bright red borders in autumn. The plant reaches approximately 3 feet tall by 4 feet wide in ten years, developing substantial width while remaining compact in height, making it well suited to containers and patio planters. According to the growers at Mr Maple, 'Lily Pad' was selected as a variegated sport found at Don Schmidt Nursery for its exceptionally low and spreading form; the cultivar demonstrates good vigor in youth, strong stability in variegation, and durability across hardiness zones, performing best with early morning sun and afternoon shade in warmer regions.