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Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ''ARJOS1'' USPP 32,420

Proven Winners®
$9071
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Plant Size

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

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 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

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Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

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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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Metamorphosa Japanese maple unique?
  • Its foliage changes color through the seasons, from yellow with pink edges in spring to white and red in summer, and fiery orange-red in fall.

How big does it get?
  • Grows 5-13 feet tall and 3-10 feet wide; hardy in USDA zones 5b–8.

What light and soil does it need?
  • Prefers full to part sun and well-drained soil.

Is it easy to care for?
  • Yes, it’s low-maintenance and disease-resistant; prune lightly only if needed.

Where can it be used?
  • Great as a focal point, in containers, or in mixed garden beds.
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