Princess Japanese Maple

About this plant

Acer palmatum 'Kuro Hime', commonly known as the Princess Japanese Maple, is a dwarf cultivar prized for its exquisite beauty and diminutive size. This charming tree exhibits small, deeply lobed leaves that emerge a vibrant green in spring, transitioning to rich amber and fiery crimson in the autumn, providing a spectacular seasonal display. Its intricate branching structure and dense foliage create a captivating miniature landscape, ideal for focal points or container gardening. Perfect for small gardens, courtyards, or even bonsai enthusiasts, 'Kuro Hime' offers significant visual impact without demanding extensive space. Its slow growth rate and naturally refined habit make it a low-maintenance yet high-reward addition to any carefully curated landscape. At A Cut Above, we select only the finest specimens to ensure vigorous growth and stunning aesthetics in your garden. The Princess Japanese Maple embodies elegance and resilience, promising years of enchanting beauty.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires protection from strong winds and intense afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crossing branches and to maintain desired shape. Avoid heavy pruning, which can stress the tree.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.