Description
Acer palmatum ‘Little Princess’, also known as ‘Chiyo-hime’, is a compact Japanese maple that is especially popular with bonsai enthusiasts and Japanese-themed gardens. Its naturally small leaves and tidy growth habit make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for refined structure and seasonal colour in a limited space.
The leaves are quite small and beautifully coloured in early spring, with orange-red tinges along the edges. As the season progresses, the foliage turns a rich green through summer before finishing with yellow-orange autumn colour. The plant produces a compact, branching bush with fresh green lobed leaves, often highlighted with yellow and red tones at the growing tips.
Like all maples, ‘Little Princess’ is very easy to maintain and does not require a regular pruning routine. Simply remove any dead or damaged branches if needed. The best time to prune is late autumn or winter, when the plant is fully dormant. Its compact nature makes it a great variety for growing in pots, as well as for patios, courtyards and smaller gardens.
