A compact Japanese maple with creamy-edged variegated leaves and a fall finish in pink, red, and burgundy
FEATURES:
- Variegated foliage with creamy white leaf margins for bright, high-contrast color
- New growth often blushed pink for extra spring interest and layered tone
- Compact, refined form ideal for courtyards, patios, and smaller foundation beds
- Adds light to part-shade gardens where variegation brightens darker areas
- Beautiful companion to evergreens for clean contrast and year-round structure
- Fall color in pink, red, and burgundy tones for a vivid seasonal finish
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Variegation is a built-in spotlight. Use it strategically in areas that feel dim or heavy, and let it brighten the planting naturally. Keep nearby flowers and foliage mostly solid green, deep green, or white, and the variegated leaves will look crisp instead of chaotic.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 8-12' tall
- Mature Width: 6-10' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Full Sun
- Spacing: 6-10' apart
Butterfly Japanese Maple
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Acer palmatum 'Butterfly'
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Plant with Confidence when choosing Big & Tall Trees and Hedges!
A compact Japanese maple with creamy-edged variegated leaves and a fall finish in pink, red, and burgundy
FEATURES:
- Variegated foliage with creamy white leaf margins for bright, high-contrast color
- New growth often blushed pink for extra spring interest and layered tone
- Compact, refined form ideal for courtyards, patios, and smaller foundation beds
- Adds light to part-shade gardens where variegation brightens darker areas
- Beautiful companion to evergreens for clean contrast and year-round structure
- Fall color in pink, red, and burgundy tones for a vivid seasonal finish
- Hand Selected; Fresh from the Grower
- Ships on our trucks because the size of the tree - does not fit in a box.
Bower & Branch Landscape Design Tip:
Variegation is a built-in spotlight. Use it strategically in areas that feel dim or heavy, and let it brighten the planting naturally. Keep nearby flowers and foliage mostly solid green, deep green, or white, and the variegated leaves will look crisp instead of chaotic.
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 5-8
- Mature Height: 8-12' tall
- Mature Width: 6-10' wide
- Exposure: Part Shade/Full Sun
- Spacing: 6-10' apart
Why plant Butterfly Japanese Maple?
Butterfly Japanese Maple is all about contrast and detail. Each leaf is edged in creamy variegation, creating a bright, refined look that stands out in the landscape without needing flowers to do the work. In spring, new growth can carry a soft pink blush, adding another layer of color before the foliage settles into a crisp green-and-cream pattern for summer.
When fall arrives, the tree shifts again, finishing in pink, red, and burgundy tones that echo the spring blush and give the garden a strong seasonal close. It’s a compact maple with a highly ornamental look, perfect when you want a focal tree that feels elegant, intentional, and easy to place.
How to use Butterfly Japanese Maple in the landscape?
Plant it where the foliage can be appreciated up close, near an entry walk, patio, or a main window view, since the variegation reads as fine detail and looks best when you can see it clearly. It performs well in part shade, especially in brighter shade where the creamy leaf edges can illuminate darker corners. Pair it with deep green evergreens or broadleaf shrubs to make the variegated foliage stand out, and keep surrounding plants simpler so the leaf pattern doesn’t compete with busy textures. In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to help protect the variegated edges from scorch and keep the foliage looking clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Japanese maples have small, subtle spring flowers that are not showy. The main ornamental feature is the variegated foliage and seasonal color changes.
Yes, the creamy-edged variegation is a defining trait and persists through the growing season. Part shade and protection from harsh afternoon sun help keep the foliage looking its cleanest.
Prune lightly in late winter or after leaf drop to remove crossing branches and refine structure. Keep pruning minimal and selective to preserve the natural shape.
