Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ''ARJOS1'' USPP 32,420

Proven Winners®

Deer-Resistant Japanese Maple with Year-Round Color Changes from Chartreuse to Fiery Red
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 5-13 ft Tall, 3-10 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Stunning Red, Orange Fall Foliage

$28⁶³

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best color saturation, plant in a spot that receives four to six hours of morning sun with protection from the intense afternoon heat. While it handles partial shade well, too much shade will cause the vibrant purple and pink foliage to fade into a dusty green.
Soil: This maple thrives in well drained, loamy soil that mimics a forest floor. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound to keep the roots above the water table, as "wet feet" is the quickest way to cause root stress.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide deep soakings twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, this cultivar is moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during heat waves can lead to "leaf scorch" where the delicate leaf edges turn brown and crispy. Aim to keep the soil feeling like a wrung out sponge rather than letting it bake bone dry.

Pruning Tips

Because Japanese Maples bloom on old wood and are prized for their natural architecture, pruning should be kept to a minimum and performed in late winter while the tree is still dormant. Focus on removing the "three Ds" which are dead, damaged, or diseased branches to open up air circulation. Think of pruning as a light thinning to reveal the tree's skeleton rather than a structural overhaul.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow release, balanced fertilizer or a specialized acidic plant food in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer because this encourages soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season "growth spurt" is often susceptible to winter kill and can weaken the overall health of the tree.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts Birds, Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Fall Color/Interest, Full Sun, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Shade Tolerant, Flowering, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	5-13 ft
Width	3-10 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Red
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Maple
Botanical Name	Acer palmatum ''ARJOS1'' USPP 32,420
Species	palmatum
Cultivar	ARJOS1
Class	Magnoliopsida, Sapindales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple USPP#32,420 (Acer palmatum 'ARJOS1') is a vibrant, color-changing ornamental tree that brings year-round visual drama! This Proven Winners® selection puts on a dazzling display: chartreuse-yellow spring foliage soon edged in pink that changes to white with shades of red and orange highlights. Then you can expect a fiery fall finale of red, orange, violet, and yellow!

Compact and upright with deeply lobed, delicate leaves, its smaller, shrubby form is perfect for smaller gardens, borders, and even large containers. A true color-shifting star, this variegated Japanese Maple lives up to its name!

Metamorphosa® features an elegant vase shape with strong, upright branching that matures into a rounded canopy around 5-13 feet tall and 3-10 feet wide. Its serrated, palmate leaves emerge vividly in spring, changing tones with the seasons.

Key Features

Unique, smaller variegated Japanese Maple!
Dynamic seasonal foliage: yellow, green, pink, red, and purple
Compact size and vase-shaped, upright form
Non-toxic & pollinator-friendly
Perfect for small spaces and containers

Landscaping Uses

Native to Japan and selected for outstanding foliage performance, Japanese Maples have long been celebrated for their symbolism of peace and beauty in traditional gardens and widely beloved for bonsai and ornamental use.

Metamorphosa® is the ultimate specimen tree for accenting borders or patios. With its manageable size and ever-changing color palette, it makes a statement in tight spots! The bark is smooth and gray, and the root system is relatively shallow, making it perfect for underplanting or adding shade to patios and walkways without overwhelming nearby plants.

Specimen or focal point tree
Shade for patios and seating areas
Container planting
Meditation gardens, Asian-style or Zen gardens
Understory tree in mixed borders

Care & Maintenance

This deciduous woody ornamental is relatively easy to care for and offers four-season beauty with minimal fuss. It’s heat-tolerant and cold-hardy, though it appreciates protection from strong afternoon sun and drying winds. Cold-hardy in USDA zones 5-8, it thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers dappled sun or afternoon shade in hot climates.

Planting Time: Spring or fall planting is best
Sun Requirements: Part sun to filtered shade; avoid intense afternoon sun
Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; tolerates average garden soil
Moisture Needs: Keep soil consistently moist; use the Finger Test to monitor
Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch to retain moisture
Fertilization Needs: Use a slow-release fertilizer in early spring or compost to enhance soil quality
Pruning Info: Minimal pruning needed; prune in late winter to shape or remove dead/damaged branches
Special Perks/Growing Tips:

Cold-hardy, heat-tolerant
Pest-resistant
Great for small spaces

Fall In Love With Metamorphosa®'s Ever-Changing Charm

From spring's glowing edges to fall's flaming finale, Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple is a dynamic, multi-season showstopper. This small tree offers immense beauty in a compact form. Order your Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple today and enjoy living color from naturehills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple grow well in my planting zone (e.g., zone 5b or 8)?

Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple thrives in USDA zones 5-9, handling temperatures down to -20°F. This hardy cultivar adapts well to various climates while maintaining its signature color-changing foliage. Check your specific zone on the USDA map and ensure protection from harsh winds for best results.

How much sun exposure does Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple need—full sun, partial shade, or morning sun only?

Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple thrives in partial shade to filtered sunlight, avoiding harsh afternoon sun that can scorch its delicate variegated foliage. Morning sun with afternoon protection brings out the best color changes throughout the seasons. Shop at Nature Hills for this compact beauty that adapts well to various light conditions in your landscape.

What is the watering schedule for Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple, especially in summer?

Water deeply once or twice weekly during summer, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Japanese Maples prefer consistent moisture but not soggy conditions. Check soil 2 inches down and water when dry to the touch.

Is Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple deer-resistant?

Japanese Maples, including Metamorphosa®, are generally not deer-resistant and may be browsed by deer. The tender spring foliage and smooth bark can be particularly appealing to deer. Consider using deer repellent sprays or physical barriers if deer pressure is high in your area.

When and how should I prune Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple?

Prune Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple in late fall after leaf drop or early winter while dormant. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches with clean, sharp tools. Light structural pruning maintains its natural vase shape best. Find quality pruning tools at naturehills.com.

Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ''ARJOS1'' USPP 32,420