{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-little-princess-artar-japonez","title":"Acer palmatum 'Little princess' (Japanese maple)","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"auto\"\u003eDescription of Acer palmatum 'Little Princess'\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Little Princess'\u003c\/strong\u003e, also known as the \"dwarf Japanese maple,\" is a compact cultivar of the Acer palmatum species from the Sapindaceae family. This deciduous shrub is valued for its delicate foliage, vibrant seasonal colors, and small stature, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, and bonsai. Native to Japan, 'Little Princess' impresses with its graceful appearance and adaptability to limited spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eAppearance of leaves, flowers, and fruits\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves\u003c\/strong\u003e: The leaves are palmate, with 5-7 slender lobes, a \u003cstrong\u003elight green\u003c\/strong\u003e in spring, with slightly pinkish-reddish edges when they first appear. In summer they turn \u003cstrong\u003emedium green\u003c\/strong\u003e, and in autumn they change to spectacular shades of \u003cstrong\u003egolden yellow, orange, and bright red\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering a vibrant visual effect. The leaves are small, 3-5 cm, and delicate, giving an airy look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers\u003c\/strong\u003e: The flowers are small, purple, grouped in discreet clusters, appearing in \u003cstrong\u003eApril-May\u003c\/strong\u003e. They are not ornamental but attract pollinators such as bees.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruits\u003c\/strong\u003e: The fruits are double samaras, initially reddish, turning brown at maturity, 1-2 cm long. They appear in summer but do not significantly contribute to the plant’s appearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eGrowth characteristics\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight and width\u003c\/strong\u003e: It grows as a dwarf shrub, reaching \u003cstrong\u003e1-1.5 meters in height\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e1-1.2 meters in width\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a rounded, dense crown. Its extremely slow growth makes it perfect for small spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVigor\u003c\/strong\u003e: It has very slow growth, with fine branches and a compact structure, ideal for ornamental landscapes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is a deciduous shrub with delicate branching that highlights the colorful foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eGrowing conditions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure\u003c\/strong\u003e: Prefers \u003cstrong\u003epartial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003efiltered sunlight\u003c\/strong\u003e, ideally under trees with sparse crowns or near an east-facing wall. Full sun can burn the delicate leaves, and dense shade reduces the intensity of autumn colors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Requires \u003cstrong\u003efertile, well-drained\u003c\/strong\u003e soil, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7). A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat is ideal. It does not tolerate waterlogged or chalky soils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e: Needs regular watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but not flooded. A layer of organic mulch (e.g., bark) helps retain moisture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollination\u003c\/strong\u003e: The flowers attract pollinators, but the fruits are not relevant for ornamental value.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eCare and resistance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e: It is hardy to temperatures down to \u003cstrong\u003e-20°C\u003c\/strong\u003e (zones 5-8), suitable for temperate climates, including Romania. Young leaves can be affected by late frosts, and the plant needs protection in harsh winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizing\u003c\/strong\u003e: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to stimulate growth. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can affect seasonal colors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning\u003c\/strong\u003e: Prune minimally in \u003cstrong\u003eJanuary-February\u003c\/strong\u003e to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain shape. Severe pruning is rare due to the compact size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePests and diseases\u003c\/strong\u003e: May be affected by mites, aphids, or verticillium wilt. Small leaves are sensitive to sunburn in extreme conditions. Good ventilation and drainage prevent problems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife\u003c\/strong\u003e: Flowers attract bees, and the samaras may be eaten by small birds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eUses\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAcer palmatum 'Little Princess' is ideal for \u003cstrong\u003esmall gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eJapanese-style landscapes\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003emixed borders\u003c\/strong\u003e, or as a \u003cstrong\u003esolitary plant\u003c\/strong\u003e in containers on terraces. The colorful foliage pairs well with plants such as hosta, ferns, or azaleas. Due to its dwarf stature, it is perfect for tight spaces or rock gardens, providing a delicate focal point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAcer palmatum is native to \u003cstrong\u003eJapan, Korea, and China\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it grows in temperate forests. The 'Little Princess' cultivar was selected in Japan for its compact size and attractive foliage, becoming popular in ornamental gardening due to its adaptability and refined appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"auto\"\u003ePossibility of turning Acer palmatum 'Little Princess' into bonsai\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Little Princess'\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent choice for bonsai due to its dwarf stature, small leaves, and extremely slow growth, which facilitate shaping and maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePot diameter: 10.5 cm\u003cbr\u003eHeight including pot: approx. 35 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf color varies depending on the season.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secret Garden Outdoor","offers":[{"title":"young specimens - 10.5 cm pot","offer_id":54488897159494,"sku":"","price":7.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/5551\/3798\/files\/Acer-palmatum-Little-Princess.jpg?v=1688980663","url":"https:\/\/sicretgarden.com\/en-pt\/products\/acer-palmatum-little-princess-artar-japonez","provider":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}