Skeeter's Broom Japanese Maple

About this plant

A true standout for smaller gardens and elegant container plantings, 'Skeeter's Broom' offers a dramatic year-round display. Its delicate, deeply lobed leaves emerge brilliant red-purple in spring, holding their color well throughout the summer before transitioning to fiery crimson in the autumn. This cultivar boasts a naturally upright, columnar habit, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest without overwhelming a space. Its slower growth rate and refined branching structure contribute to its sophisticated, broom-like appearance. Perfect as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or for adding a touch of bold color to patios and entryways, 'Skeeter's Broom' brings premium elegance to any landscape.

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 well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates or during extreme heat waves. Mulch annually to retain moisture and insulate roots. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches, preferably in late summer or early fall to prevent excessive sap bleeding.

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.