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How to Grow Hino Crimson Japanese Maple

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Hino Crimson Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Hino Crimson'

tree

Hino Crimson is a compact Japanese maple cultivar prized for its brilliant crimson-red foliage that emerges in spring and deepens throughout the growing season. This small ornamental tree typically reaches 15-20 feet tall and features deeply lobed, palmate leaves that turn even more vibrant shades of red in fall. It's an excellent choice for gardens seeking year-round color and elegant branching structure.

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Example Hino Crimson Japanese Maple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Hino Crimson Japanese Maple

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Hino Crimson Japanese Maple

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hino Crimson Japanese Maple dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight; 3-6 hours of indirect light. Morning sun with afternoon shade in warmer zones.
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times weekly during growing season. Increase frequency during hot, dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
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Spacing: 120-180 depending on mature size desired inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable for ornamental tree; reaches mature form in 10-15 years
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury trunk collar

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter
pH: 5.5-6.5
Amendments:
Peat moss Compost Leaf mold Avoid lime

Growing Zones

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Zones 5-8, with best performance in zones 6-7

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First 2-3 years

Young tree with developing root system and initial branching structure

Water regularly and consistently. Avoid heavy pruning. Provide windbreak shelter. Stake if necessary in windy locations.

2

Spring Growth

March-May

Crimson-red new foliage emerges with fine, deeply lobed leaves. Delicate growth begins.

Protect from late frosts. Avoid fertilizing excessively. Prune only to remove dead/crossing branches.

3

Summer

June-August

Foliage deepens in color. Tree establishes full canopy. Growth continues but slows in heat.

Maintain consistent moisture. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Watch for spider mites in heat stress.

4

Fall Color

September-October

Foliage intensifies to deep crimson, scarlet, and burgundy. Peak ornamental display.

Reduce watering slightly as growth slows. Avoid heavy pruning. Enjoy the display without intervention.

5

Dormancy

November-February

Leaves drop, revealing elegant branching structure. Tree goes dormant.

Prune only in late winter if needed. Do not prune in fall. Mulch heavily for winter protection in zone 5.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hosta Hellebore Astilbe Fern Bleeding Heart Azalea Rhododendron Japanese Forest Grass

Avoid planting near:

Black Walnut Aggressive spreading plants Plants requiring full sun and dry conditions

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from tree; neem oil for infestations

  • Spray forcefully with water; increase humidity; use horticultural oil or miticide if severe

  • Prune infested branches; dormant oil spray in late winter; horticultural oil in growing season

  • Water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; beneficial insects like ladybugs

Uses

🌿

Specimen Tree & Landscape Focal Point

Ornamental

Hino Crimson serves as a stunning focal point in gardens, offering year-round interest from crimson spring foliage to vibrant fall color and elegant winter branching. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, borders, and container growing. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Shelter & Food Source

Wildlife

Japanese maples provide shelter for songbirds and small wildlife. The tree produces winged seeds (samaras) that attract birds and wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in residential landscapes. [source]

🎨

Autumn Foliage Arrangements

Craft

The striking crimson-red fall foliage can be harvested for floral arrangements, pressed specimens, and seasonal decorations during peak color in autumn. [source]

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Japanese Garden Design

Cultural

Hino Crimson is a traditional element in Japanese garden design, symbolizing elegance, beauty, and the transient nature of seasons. Its refined form and color make it a cornerstone of Asian-inspired landscapes. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable for ornamental tree. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood, improve shape, or remove crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning which reduces foliage display.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Hino Crimson maintains its deep red foliage longer than many other red Japanese maple cultivars, often staying vibrant well into summer before the intense heat of mid-season.
  • 🌱 Japanese maples have been cultivated for over 1,000 years in Japan, with 'Hino Crimson' being a more modern selection bred for superior color retention and compact growth.
  • 🌱 The tree's delicate appearance belies its surprising hardiness—Japanese maples are quite tough once established and can live 100+ years when given proper care.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Mulch Partial Shade
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