Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple Tree

Name: Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 16203
Price: 210.02 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.23 (13 reviews)

Acer palmatum 'Karasu Gawa'

Hot Pink Spring Leaves Transform into Pink, White, and Green Speckled Foliage
Thrives in Zones 5-7
Grows 6-8 ft Tall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Stunning Orange/Red Fall Foliage

$210⁰²

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Plant Size

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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	Cold hardy, Compact/Dwarf, Fall Color/Interest, Thornless, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	5a to 8b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	6-8 ft
Width	5-6 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Slow
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Red
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Maple
Botanical Name	Acer palmatum 'Karasu Gawa'
Species	palmatum
Cultivar	Karasu Gawa
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The Karasu Gawa is no ordinary Japanese Maple Tree! It is known to put everyone who comes in sight of it into utter shock with its unique beauty! The palmate, toothy-edged, pointed-lobed leaves are gorgeous on their own, but then you add the multiple colors, and the result is absolutely stunning!

The Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum 'Karasu Gawa') has spring leaves that emerge with various colors; starting out as hot pink! Then this Maple tree becomes speckled with a variety of colors - including pink, white, and green! Creating a unique effect!

Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple portrays a rounded shape and is slightly top-heavy. This allows the deciduous tree to be ideal for planting small perennials below the colorful canopy! This plant is known for its immaculate beauty and leaves a lasting impression on your landscaping year-round. Hardy throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 7, growing to a modest 6 - 8 feet in height and 5 - 6 feet wide.

Landscape Application:

You name it, this large shrub or small shrubby tree really can do it all! Planting along the border of your property adds a beautiful array of colors making your yard look spectacular throughout the year! The colorful leaves are a must-have front yard specimen plant, looking even better when elevated upon a berm or raised garden!

Show off these beauties front and center where you and everyone else can see them! (and maybe get a little bit jealous!)

A pair of these Variegated Maples on both corners of your home's foundation boosts curb appeal, while a row of them along the sidewalk becomes a beautiful screening hedge that adds privacy to your front yard! Karasu Gawa is also a gorgeous street tree!

Mix into a Zen Garden or Asian-Inspired water garden with boulders for the branching to cascade and tumble over lyrically! Plant one by the front of your front steps or at the end of your driveway for a significant boost of curb appeal!

Hot Pink Spring Leaves!
Ages Speckled White, Pink & Green Foliage For The Summer
Toothy Palmate Lacy Foliage
Mid-Sized Tree or Shrub Form With Pruning
Beautiful Privacy Shrub, Showy Specimens & Gorgeous Groupings

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Morning sun and protective shade in the afternoon are essential to keep the delicate foliage of this plant happy and stress-free. Plant in organically enriched well-drained soil with regular moisture access. A nice 3-4 inch layer of mulch over the root zone is what keeps the moisture uniform and buffers heat and cold. Prune if needed when dormant and remove crossing, broken or wayward branches at this time.

Partial Shade/Afternoon Shaded Locations
Well-Drained Soil
Consistent Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune When Dormant
Appreciates Mulched Beds

Don't hesitate and trust your instincts to buy this magnificent Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple Tree from Nature Hills Nursery today!

This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.

So far everything is going great the trees are

So far everything is going great the trees are doing good

Hi Reginald, Thank you for your positive review! We are glad to hear that your Japanese Red Maple trees are doing well - great choice!
Happy gardening - Nature Hills Customer Support

Beautiful and looks healthy

Very satisfied and would recommend!

Hi Laura, thank you for sharing your experience with your Japanese Red Maple Tree. I’m thrilled it arrived looking so beautiful and healthy in your landscape.

To keep that vibrant foliage, be sure to water regularly during hot, dry spells and mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In late winter you can prune any crossing or crowded branches to maintain a strong, open canopy. A light spring feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will support steady growth and that signature red color.

Japanese Red Maples do best in well-drained soil and afternoon shade, so if you notice any leaf scorch in summer, a little extra shade cloth or nearby taller plantings can help.

We appreciate your recommendation and are here if you have questions about pruning, watering, or seasonal care.

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

Arrived wilted and falling off leaves

Arrived wilted and falling off leaves, but doing well

Shipping stress can hit maples pretty hard, so it's good to hear it bounced back once it settled in. They're resilient trees once their roots get established. Thanks for the update, Myleen.

This is a very nice tree! I currently have it planted in a pot. Looks healthy.

Potting a Japanese Red Maple is a great way to control the soil conditions and keep an eye on how it settles in. Glad yours is looking healthy so far. As it grows, just make sure the pot has good drainage and give it some protection from intense afternoon sun in the hottest months. Thanks for sharing the update Shawntae!

Lots of yellow spots on the tree

Lots of yellow spots on the tree, it was quite small when it came. No obvious growth, yellow spots, I've tried to contact the company 3x for questions, never a response.

Great

Great

Ordered two Atropurpureum maples

Ordered two Atropurpureum maples. I transporter the plastic bag that contained the pot if the tree came undoing or was not securely tied. Most of the dirt from the rootball fell out of the pot and the tree was very dried up. Contacted Nature Hills, but never received any acknowledgement.

This is my 2nd tree and it is doing well so far

This is my 2nd tree and it is doing well so far. The first one died soon after putting it in the ground. The 2nd tree seems to be doing better. It looks happier. Customer service was very helpful and efficient.

Budding

Budding up!!!!

Quick delivery

Quick delivery. Tree was well packed and in good shape when we received it.

Hi James, Thank you so much for the wonderful review on your Japanese Red Maple! We are thrilled you're happy with your tree. We appreciate your business and hope you enjoy the stunning color this tree brings to your landscape! Thank you - Nature Hills Customer Service

Small but healthy

I ordered and paid for a 3-4 foot tree but what arrived was barely 2 ft. It is bushy and healthy though so I didn’t make a stink about it.

Hi Josh, thank you for sharing your experience with your Japanese Red Maple. I’m sorry the tree arrived smaller than you expected, but I’m glad it’s healthy and bushy.

Japanese maples often settle into a compact form during the first season and then put energy into root establishment. With steady moisture and a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, you should see vigorous height growth next year. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and keep roots cool.

If you’d like to discuss our sizing guarantee or explore options for a replacement or partial credit, please let us know and we’ll make it right. We’re here to support you as your maple matures.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple at 10-20 years?

Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple reaches 6-8 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide at maturity in zones 5-7. This compact size makes it perfect for foundation plantings or small garden spaces. Plan for adequate spacing since it develops a slightly top-heavy, rounded canopy.

Does Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple grow well in zones 5-9, or is it limited to zone 6?

Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple is hardy in USDA zones 5-7, not extending to zone 9. This variety prefers cooler climates and may struggle with excessive heat in warmer zones. For best results, plant in zones 5-7 where it reaches 6-8 feet tall. Available at naturehills.com.

What are the watering requirements for young Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple trees?

Young Karasu Gawa Japanese Maples need consistent moisture but well-draining soil to establish their shallow root systems. Water deeply 2-3 times per week during the first growing season, providing about 1 inch of water weekly. Check soil moisture regularly and adjust watering based on rainfall and temperature.

What type of soil is best for planting Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple—well-drained or rich?

Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple thrives in well-drained, organically rich soil that doesn't stay waterlogged. Like most Japanese maples, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and benefits from mulching to retain consistent moisture. Amend clay soils with compost to improve drainage before planting.

When and how should I prune Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple to maintain its shape?

Prune Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple in late fall or winter while dormant to maintain its naturally rounded, top-heavy shape. Light pruning works best since this variety reaches only 6-8 feet tall. Remove crossing branches and trim lightly to preserve the colorful foliage display that makes this specimen available at naturehills.com so stunning.

Is Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple tolerant of humidity or afternoon sun?

Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple thrives in zones 5-7 with morning sun and afternoon shade protection. Like most Japanese maples, it prefers some shelter from intense afternoon sun and benefits from consistent moisture in humid conditions. Plant in a location with filtered light for best color development.

What does the foliage look like on Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple—variegated pink to white?

The Karasu Gawa produces hot pink spring leaves that mature into a stunning speckled pattern of pink, white, and green throughout the growing season. The palmate leaves have distinctive toothy edges and pointed lobes. Plant this showstopper as a front yard specimen where its unique variegated foliage can be fully appreciated.

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Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Karasu Gawa'

Other Maple varieties

Landscape Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple at 10-20 years?

Does Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple grow well in zones 5-9, or is it limited to zone 6?

What are the watering requirements for young Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple trees?

What type of soil is best for planting Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple—well-drained or rich?

When and how should I prune Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple to maintain its shape?

Is Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple tolerant of humidity or afternoon sun?

What does the foliage look like on Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple—variegated pink to white?

Choose options

Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Karasu Gawa'

Other Maple varieties

Specifications

Description

Landscape Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple at 10-20 years?

Does Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple grow well in zones 5-9, or is it limited to zone 6?

What are the watering requirements for young Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple trees?

What type of soil is best for planting Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple—well-drained or rich?

When and how should I prune Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple to maintain its shape?

Is Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple tolerant of humidity or afternoon sun?

What does the foliage look like on Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple—variegated pink to white?