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Proven Winners®

Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple

Name: Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple
Brand: Proven Winners
SKU: 22806
Price: 28.63 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.45 (11 reviews)

Acer palmatum ''ARJOS1'' USPP 32,420

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

$90⁷¹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

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 to 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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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Received in Virginia with care

I received a pair of these trees, both in great shape looking as if I just bought them from a local nursery, they were prepared that good. Both are beautiful specimens. Color good leaves in great shape. Thank you for packing them with, obviously, such care.

Coral Bark Japanese Maple ships as a bare-root or potted specimen that can look rough after a few days in a box, so it's great to hear both trees arrived looking nursery-fresh. They're going to put on a show for you in Virginia, especially in late fall and winter when that bark really comes into its own. Thanks for the kind words about our packing crew. They take real pride in getting trees to their destination in good shape.

Metamorphosa is so-so

I was very excited about this cult war when I ordered it. However, in spite of being in morning sun only, Metamorphosa has underperformed. It has lackluster growth and sickly yellow leaves that shed easily. I’m waiting to see if it improves, my expectation is that it won’t.

Poor Customer service

Poor Customer service. Nobody will answer the phone when you call. Slow response on your emails. I got a dead tree and purchase a warranty but after a month now no resolution or replacement.

Coral Bark Maple

I recieved the trees in a timely manner. They came and were not as red as pictured. However, dont lose hope. The trees were in great shape and packaged very well. I had purchased one for myself and one for a wedding venue landscape design i was doing. What a beautiful tree....After sun exposure and some time in the ground these trees are BRIGHT red as they should be especially this winter... WOW. I will continue to use nature hills for additional trees and shrubs. My Primrise Lilac I got here was also a great purchase with a very large and healthy plant from the start. Very pleased!!!

Dear Robert,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Coral Bark Maple and Primrose Lilac! We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback. It's fantastic to hear the trees arrived in great condition and that, once acclimated, the vibrant red coloration you expected took center stage—even through the winter months. It sounds like your landscaping at the wedding venue must be absolutely stunning with such a beautiful focal point!

We’re also delighted your Primrose Lilac has shown such healthy growth. Your success with multiple varieties speaks volumes, and we couldn’t be happier you chose Nature Hills to be part of your planting journey. If you ever need guidance on care or suggestions for future landscaping projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden thrive.

Thank you again for your trust and positive review. We look forward to growing alongside you!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Coral Bark Maple

Trees came very well packaged and in great health. Their size was as advertised. I will definitely use Nature Hill's again!

Hello Robert,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with your Coral Bark Maple purchase! We’re delighted to hear that the trees arrived healthy, well-packaged, and just as described. It’s wonderful customers like you that make our work so rewarding. Should you need any tips on planting or care as your maples settle in, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to provide guidance to help your new trees thrive.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

So Pleased and happy

Our tree just arrived and it is beautiful, healthy, and full of leaves. Taller than I expected. So pleased.

Hi Jo,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your tree arrived healthy, full of leaves, and taller than you expected—what a lovely surprise! It sounds like it’s already making a beautiful addition to your space.

If you ever need tips on how to care for your tree to keep it thriving, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a variety of planting and care guides on our website as well, which might be helpful as you watch your new tree grow.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Very nice!

I ordered a Coral Bark Japanese Maple. It took a couple weeks to ship but I got it today. The tree looks fantastic. That packaging was done so well I am still amazed they could ship a small tree like that and it got here perfectly. It rained all morning but I'll get it planted tomorrow. It's in great shape. I think it will do very well.

Hi Stuart,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your Coral Bark Japanese Maple arrived in fantastic condition and that you were impressed with the packaging—our team takes great care to ensure every plant arrives healthy and ready to thrive. It’s great that despite the rain, your new tree is shining and fit for planting tomorrow. To help your maple get off to the best start, you might want to check out our planting and care guide specifically tailored for Japanese maples on our website.

If you ever have any questions as your tree grows, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to assist. Wishing you many years of beauty from your new addition!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Very nice!

Hi Stuart,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Coral Bark Japanese Maple! We’re thrilled to hear the tree arrived in perfect condition and that you were impressed by our packaging—it means a lot to hear that kind of thoughtful feedback. A little rain before planting can actually be great; it helps prepare the soil and get your tree off to a healthy start. When you do plant it, make sure to choose a spot with partial shade and well-drained soil, as Japanese Maples really thrive in those conditions. If you have any questions along the way or need tips on care and maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Coral bark Japanese Maple

Very pretty tree, I planted it on the day it arrived and it starting to leaf-out with new green and red leaves. Looking great already.It arrived well packaged and undamaged.

Hello Guest,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your new Coral Bark Japanese Maple! We're thrilled to hear it arrived in perfect condition and that it’s already showing such vibrant leaves so quickly. It sounds like you have a bright and beautiful addition to your garden taking root, and that makes us so happy.

If you ever want tips on caring for your maple throughout the seasons or best practices to keep those green and red hues shining, feel free to reach out. We’re here anytime you need advice or assistance with your planting journey.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Coral bark Japanese Maple

Very pretty tree, I planted it on the day it arrived and it starting to leaf-out with new green and red leaves. Looking great already.It arrived well packaged and undamaged.

Hello Guest,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Coral Bark Japanese Maple! We're delighted to hear that it arrived safely, was well-packaged, and that you planted it right away. Watching those fresh green and red leaves emerge is truly one of the joys of gardening.

If you ever have any questions about caring for your maple—like optimal watering practices, fertilizing tips, or guidance on seasonal care—please don't hesitate to reach out. We also have helpful resources on our website that provide detailed information to help your tree thrive year-round.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

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.

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

Metamorphosa® Japanese Maple