{"product_id":"seiryu-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-dissectum-seiryu","title":"Seiryu Japanese Maple - Acer palmatum dissectum 'Seiryu'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Only Upright-Growing Lace Leaf Japanese Maple\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Seiryu Japanese Maple is the only upright growing lace leaf Japanese Maple in the world - a deciduous shrub or small tree that combines the delicate, deeply cut foliage of a laceleaf japanese maple with a true vertical structure. If you've wanted the feathery elegance of an acer palmatum dissectum without the weeping, cascading form, this is the cultivar that delivers. Seiryu translates to \"Blue-Green Dragon,\" and the name fits: this tree rises with architectural presence, its finely dissected leaves catching light and breeze like no other maple in the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRare upright habit with lace-cut foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e – No other laceleaf japanese maple grows upright. Seiryu breaks every expectation with its unique upright, broadly columnar growth habit that adds vertical scale to any garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast-growing specimen tree\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Seiryu Japanese Maple grows 14–16 feet tall and 10–12 feet wide in roughly 10 years, reaching mature presence faster than most japanese maple cultivars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpectacular seasonal color\u003c\/strong\u003e – Seiryu is known for its vibrant foliage color during different seasons. Leaves are light green in spring and medium green in summer, then the tree turns fiery shades of gold, orange, and crimson in fall. Fall color is bright red before leaves drop - a showstopper from early autumn through leaf fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardy across climates\u003c\/strong\u003e – Suitable for growing zones 5–9, this acer palmatum handles both cold winters and warm summers. Seiryu is heat-tolerant, suitable for warmer climates including much of California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect specimen scale\u003c\/strong\u003e – Tall enough to anchor a yard, refined enough not to overwhelm. Seiryu's upright habit makes it suitable for small gardens or borders, entryways, and medium-to-large landscape designs alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost lace leaf Japanese maples - think 'Crimson Queen,' 'Red Filigree Lace,' or 'English Lace' - grow with weeping, mounding forms that cascade toward the ground. They're beautiful, but they take up horizontal space, block sightlines, and limit what you can plant beneath them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcer palmatum 'Seiryu'\u003c\/strong\u003e offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrue upright architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e – Where every other acer palmatum var. dissectum weeps or cascades, Seiryu rises with a vase-shaped to broadly columnar form. It is the only variety that combines lace leaf beauty with upright specimen tree form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmaller, finer dissected leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e – The foliage is smaller and thinner than typical dissectum varieties, creating an airy, feathery texture that reads as a \"green cloud\" in the landscape rather than a dense canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFaster growth rate\u003c\/strong\u003e – At 12–18 inches per year once established, Seiryu outpaces most laceleaf japanese maple cultivars, letting you enjoy a mature tree sooner without sacrificing ornamental beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've been comparing japanese maple options and want something that stands apart - literally and visually - from compact, variegated choices like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/butterfly-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-butterfly\"\u003eButterfly Japanese Maple\u003c\/a\u003e, this is the cultivar to add.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Seiryu Japanese Maple Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in the right spot\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. Seiryu prefers moist, slightly acidic, and well-drained soils amended with organically rich compost. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas. Spring or fall planting works best in California climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLet it grow naturally\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiryu requires very little pruning. Allow the natural upright growth to develop its columnar shape. A thick layer of mulch around the root zone helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool during hot summers. Young Seiryu trees need regular watering while establishing - consistent soil moisture in the first 2–3 years is critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy year-round beauty\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch new growth emerge bright green each spring, deepen to medium green through summer, then transition to fiery red, orange, gold, and burgundy in autumn. Within 10–15 years, you'll have a mature specimen tree with genuine architectural presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' (genus name: \u003cem\u003eAcer\u003c\/em\u003e; native to Japan, China, and Korea)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14–16 feet tall, 10–12 feet wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, broadly columnar; becomes more rounded with maturity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA 5–9; for a larger shade tree with brilliant fall color, consider the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/rocky-mountain-glow-maple-acer-grandidentatum-rocky-mountain-glow%C2%AE\"\u003eRocky Mountain Glow maple\u003c\/a\u003e in suitable climates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12–18 inches per year once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade preferred in hot climates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well drained soils, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), organically rich\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deeply cut, lace-like dissected leaves; light green in spring, medium green in summer, bright red and orange in fall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal pruning; mulch to maintain soil moisture; protect from leaf scorch in extreme heat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnown pests:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch for aphids and scale; generally low-maintenance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContainer growing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Can be grown in containers, though in-ground planting allows full height and spread\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia homeowners\u003c\/strong\u003e with medium to large garden spaces looking for a specimen tree with four-season interest, or those comparing with drought-tolerant options like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/blogs\/news\/what-to-know-about-the-california-pepper-tree\"\u003eCalifornia Pepper Tree\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e wanting a unique japanese maple that grows upright rather than weeping - perfect as a focal point in any yard\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape professionals\u003c\/strong\u003e designing projects that need upright trees with delicate foliage, border accents, or layered plantings with shrubs and groundcovers, perhaps combining Seiryu with low-maintenance grasses such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/autumn-moor-grass-sesleria-autumnalis\"\u003eAutumn Moor Grass\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant collectors\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking rare japanese maple varieties - Seiryu fills a niche no other cultivar occupies, and pairs well with classic red selections such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/bloodgood-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-bloodgood\"\u003eBloodgood Japanese Maple\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnyone growing in containers\u003c\/strong\u003e on patios or courtyards who wants lace leaf texture in a compact, vertical form and might also consider upright container-friendly cultivars like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/emperor-one-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-emperor-one\"\u003eEmperor One Japanese Maple\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want the refined beauty of a laceleaf japanese maple with the stature of an upright tree, this plant fits your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it really the only upright lace leaf Japanese maple?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Among all acer palmatum dissectum cultivars - which number in the hundreds - Seiryu is the only one that grows with a true upright habit. Every other laceleaf japanese maple weeps or cascades. This is what makes the cultivar so prized by collectors and designers worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does it grow compared to other Japanese maples?\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiryu is considered fast-growing for a laceleaf, adding 12–18 inches of height per year once established. Most weeping dissectum types grow significantly slower. You can expect a mature tree reaching 14–16 feet tall within about 10 years under favorable conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the best growing conditions in California?\u003c\/strong\u003e Coastal and Bay Area gardens can offer more direct sun, and many gardeners in these regions also weave in drought-tolerant natives such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-lilac-ceanothus\"\u003eCalifornia lilac (Ceanothus)\u003c\/a\u003e. Inland valleys and hotter climate zones should provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Amend alkaline or clay soils to achieve slightly acidic, well drained conditions. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture and keep roots cool. Avoid planting near reflective surfaces like stone or concrete that amplify heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is the best time to plant?\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring or fall, when soil is workable and temperatures are moderate. Fall planting in California can be especially effective - it gives roots time to establish before summer heat returns, just as with other upright Japanese maples like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/osakazuki-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-osakazuki\"\u003eOsakazuki\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need special care or pruning?\u003c\/strong\u003e Seiryu requires very little pruning. Avoid topping or heavy structural cuts that can spoil the natural upright shape. Focus care on consistent watering during the establishment period, maintaining a thick mulch layer at the base, and providing afternoon shade in hot climates. Watch for aphids and scale, which can occasionally occur but are rarely serious, similar to how gardeners monitor for pests on sun-loving vines like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/purple-bougainvillea-bougainvillea-spectabilis\"\u003epurple bougainvillea\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Add This Rare Beauty to Your Garden?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop settling for common japanese maple varieties or weeping forms that crowd your landscape. The Seiryu Japanese Maple offers something no other tree can - lace leaf elegance in a true upright form, with spectacular fall color and a growth rate that rewards your patience quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon","offer_id":45193150234797,"sku":null,"price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/Acerhubbsredwillow.jpg?v=1762721023","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/seiryu-japanese-maple-acer-palmatum-dissectum-seiryu","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}