Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple Tree

Acer palmatum 'Karasu Gawa'

Nature Hills Nursery

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

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: The Karasu Gawa Japanese Maple thrives in dappled sunlight or afternoon shade. Aim for 4 to 6 hours of morning sun to develop the best pink and white variegation. Too much hot, direct afternoon sun can scorch the delicate white portions of the leaves, while deep shade will cause the colors to fade to a solid green.
Soil: This tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound to keep the roots above the "bathtub" of sitting water. For sandy soils, mix in compost or peat moss to help hold onto the moisture these maples crave.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years of establishment, water your tree deeply twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once mature, the Karasu Gawa is moderately drought tolerant but will show its stress through crispy leaf edges if the soil dries out completely. Consistent moisture is the secret to maintaining those vibrant, multi-colored leaves throughout the heat of summer.

Pruning Tips

This cultivar is slow-growing and rarely needs heavy pruning, but it should only be trimmed in late fall or mid-winter when the tree is dormant. Since it produces growth on a mix of old and new wood, focus on "cleaning up" the structure by removing dead twigs or crossing branches to improve air circulation. Think of it like a light thinning to show off the tree's natural architectural shape rather than a radical haircut.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages soft, new growth that won't have time to "harden off" or toughen up before the first frost. A steady, mild feeding schedule ensures the tree has the energy to produce its signature variegated foliage without risking winter dieback.

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 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

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!

Botanical Name

Acer palmatum 'Karasu Gawa'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

palmatum
Cultivar

Karasu Gawa
Growing Zones

5-7
Height

6-8 ft
Width

5-6 ft
Sunlight

Partial shade
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color

Red
Leaf Color

Green, White, Pink, Variegated
Fall Color

Orange/Red
Bloom Period

Early Spring, Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 5-7

Find Your Growing Zone!

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.