{"title":"Rare \u0026 Unusual Japanese Maples","description":"\u003cp\u003eRare and unique Japanese maple varieties give collectors and design-focused gardeners access to cultivars that stand apart from standard retail selections. This collection is intended for unusual forms, distinctive foliage, uncommon color patterns, and cultivars chosen for character rather than familiarity. Some are notable for unusual spring emergence, some for refined dwarf structure, and others for the kind of foliage shape or bark interest that makes them memorable even in a broad collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe page works best when it feels curated rather than crowded. A strong rare-and-unique collection should feature cultivars that need a little more explanation and reward shoppers who are willing to compare details. Current top sellers suggest that distinctive trees can convert well when they are surfaced clearly and supported by precise, calm copy instead of generic rarity language. Use this collection to feature Japanese maples with collector appeal, then lead shoppers into the individual product pages where the differences can be explained with more specificity.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"266-acer-palmatum-seiun-kaku","title":"Acer palmatum 'Seiun kaku' Japanese Maple","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe defining trait here is pale green and yellow spring growth with a bright red stem. The pale green color is most noticeable during spring growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttributes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"443\" height=\"35\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eLeaf Shape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003ePalmate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eSmall Shrub\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eLandscape Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e8 ft.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eContainer Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e6 ft.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eMinimum Zone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eMaximum Zone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eSpring Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eRed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eSummer Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eGreen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eFall Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eRed, Orange, Yellow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Essence of the tree","offers":[{"title":"size 2 (2 yrs old)","offer_id":46466032402607,"sku":"APSEIKAKU2","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"size 3 (3 yrs old)","offer_id":46466032435375,"sku":"APSEIKAKU3","price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"size 4 (4+ yrs old)","offer_id":46466032468143,"sku":"APSEIKAKU4","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/products\/image_e3f24fd1-f13b-4bbd-bfaa-980f2eca2ae9.jpg?v=1649296650"},{"product_id":"696-acer-palmatum-kuro-hime","title":"Acer palmatum 'Kuro Hime' Japanese Maple","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn exciting new dwarf bringing the red spring of Shin deshojo to a compact dwarf form. Intense red in spring slowly changes green with a red vein and edge, beautiful detail. Tiny leaves, fine branches and dwarf form, easy to grow, good heat tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttributes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"443\" height=\"35\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eLeaf Shape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003ePalmate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eSmall Shrub\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eLandscape Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e5 ft.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eContainer Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e3 ft.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eMinimum Zone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eMaximum Zone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eSpring Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eRed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eSummer Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eGreen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eFall Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eRed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Essence of the tree","offers":[{"title":"size 2 (2 yrs old)","offer_id":46466021097647,"sku":"APKUROH2","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/products\/image_976ea843-3c8d-4024-83bf-a1e247ee9067.heic?v=1652208988"},{"product_id":"acer-palmatum-koto-no-ito","title":"Acer palmatum 'Koto no ito' Japanese Maple","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis cultivar features extremely fine, threadlike leaves. This gives the foliage a fine, delicate texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttributes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"443\" height=\"35\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eLeaf Shape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eThreadleaf\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eUpright\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eLandscape Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e9 ft.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eContainer Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e6 ft.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eMinimum Zone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eMaximum Zone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003e9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eSpring Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eGreen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eSummer Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eGreen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 177.033px;\"\u003eFall Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 366.833px;\"\u003eYellow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Essence of the tree","offers":[{"title":"size 2 (2 yrs old)","offer_id":46466009956527,"sku":"APKOITO2","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"size 3 (3 yrs old)","offer_id":46466009989295,"sku":"APKOITO3","price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"size 4 (4+ yrs old)","offer_id":46466010022063,"sku":"APKOITO4","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/products\/98.jpg?v=1630855789"},{"product_id":"bundle-collectors-trio-rare-japanese-maple-set","title":"Collector's Trio - Seiun kaku, Geisha Gone Wild and Moonrise (Rare Japanese Maple Collection)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndividually: $400 — Bundle: $369 (Save $31)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a grouping for someone who enjoys looking a little closer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach of these trees has its own character. Rather than blending together, they hold their individuality while still feeling right when planted in the same space.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat this set offers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA small collection that feels intentional, with trees chosen for contrast in form, color, and overall presence rather than similarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy these trees work together\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeiun kaku brings an upright, architectural form that gives height and structure. Geisha Gone Wild adds vivid variegation with pink and cream tones that change through the season. Moonrise shifts through color in a way that keeps the planting changing throughout the season. Together, they feel like a collection rather than a grouping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe pack each tree carefully with protection for both roots and branching so it arrives safely and in good condition. Each shipment is prepared by hand with attention to the individual trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis bundle is already discounted and is not eligible for additional multi-tree discounts.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLimited quantities available based on current nursery stock.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Essence of the Tree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46790657540271,"sku":null,"price":369.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/files\/bundle_collectors_collage_4a00ce98-d8a1-48d6-a0b5-897cd3e44f2f.jpg?v=1780269220"},{"product_id":"rare-dwarf-yatsubusa-collection","title":"Rare Dwarf Yatsubusa Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndividually: $540 - Collection: $459 (Save $81)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFive compact yatsubusa forms for containers, small gardens, and collectors. Short internodes make these more difficult to graft, and they rarely become available in quantity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these trees has its own character within a shared compact habit. Rather than blending together, they hold their individuality while still feeling right when kept and observed side by side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px;margin:28px 0 24px;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 150px;max-width:200px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/products\/image_976ea843-3c8d-4024-83bf-a1e247ee9067.heic?v=1652208988\" alt=\"Japanese maple with red spring leaves\" style=\"width:100%;height:180px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:4px;display:block;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 4px;font-size:0.95em;font-weight:600;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/696-acer-palmatum-kuro-hime\"\u003eKuro Hime\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 150px;max-width:200px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/products\/MG_2074_grande_2a855db2-eb5a-4aee-ae52-4f9cdf0ea271.jpg?v=1578358383\" alt=\"Acer palmatum Ryuzu dwarf Japanese maple\" style=\"width:100%;height:180px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:4px;display:block;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 4px;font-size:0.95em;font-weight:600;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/255-acer-palmatum-ryuzu\"\u003eRyuzu\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 150px;max-width:200px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/products\/Acer.palmatum.Lima_Gold_grande_79357fec-8014-4bd6-af65-0a219686a886.jpg?v=1578358026\" alt=\"Japanese maple with narrower lobed foliage\" style=\"width:100%;height:180px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:4px;display:block;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 4px;font-size:0.95em;font-weight:600;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/740-acer-palmatum-lima-gold\"\u003eLima Gold\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 150px;max-width:200px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/files\/acer-palmatum-catalina-mendoza-whole-plant.jpg?v=1780002877\" alt=\"Acer palmatum Catalina Mendoza Japanese maple showing upright dwarf yatsubusa structure\" style=\"width:100%;height:180px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:4px;display:block;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 4px;font-size:0.95em;font-weight:600;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/acer-palmatum-catalina-mendoza-japanese-maple\"\u003eCatalina Mendoza\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"flex:1 1 150px;max-width:200px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/products\/IMG_3207_grande_91b5618c-a5f8-4e6f-9041-5bcb6e0e001f.jpg?v=1578357874\" alt=\"Japanese maple with tiny fingertip-sized leaves\" style=\"width:100%;height:180px;object-fit:cover;border-radius:4px;display:block;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 4px;font-size:0.95em;font-weight:600;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/144-acer-palmatum-hupps-dwarf\"\u003eHupps Dwarf\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat this collection offers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFive genuine dwarf forms with tight internodes, each different in leaf color, shape, and character. Kuro Hime brings compact form with deep spring color. Ryuzu has a dense, mounding habit. Lima Gold holds warm golden-green foliage. Catalina Mendoza is a new introduction — an offspring of Mikawa yatsubusa with ruffled foliage, discovered by Angel Mendoza. Hupps Dwarf produces tiny, refined leaves that reward close observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy these trees work together\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll five stay small enough for containers and close-up display. Their individual character rewards inspection, and no two look quite alike when studied side by side. Together, they feel like a collection rather than a grouping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe pack each tree carefully with protection for both roots and branching so it arrives safely and in good condition. Each shipment is prepared by hand with attention to the individual trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe multiple tree discount has already been subtracted from this collection price and is not eligible for additional multi-tree discounts.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLimited quantities available based on current nursery stock. These trees are more difficult to produce because of their short internodes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Essence of the Tree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46989936165039,"sku":null,"price":459.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/files\/rare_dwarf_yatsubusa_collection_4af8ac1d-e9db-41e7-8bab-a1f497bada86.jpg?v=1780263789"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0014\/4038\/3023\/collections\/banner-1589.jpg?v=1650658375","url":"https:\/\/essenceofthetree.com\/collections\/rare-and-unique-japanese-maples\/red-orange.oembed","provider":"Essence of the Tree","version":"1.0","type":"link"}