Growing up in the Midwest I saw these growing in landscapes as a young man. They were often used as a substitute for trident maple that couldn’t grow unprotected outside in that region of the US. While I have seen them used as bonsai for decades, one will find they do ‘flag’ (drop) branches for absolutely no reason. Generally many new shoots come off the base of the flagged branch. It seems to be part of the genetics of the tree. They have great uses beyond bonsai as well. Grown from seed at Kaede Bonsai-en, these trees are well established in 2 1/4" containers.
Pictures are from fall of 22’. The foliage is a deep green the summer and a brilliant red in the fall. They put on quite a show both in pots and the ground alike.
Common Name: Amur Maple
Latin Name: Acer Ginnala
Type: Deciduous
Native to: China. They were brought over to America in the 1860’s.
Climate: They prefer a cooler climate and often seen growing wild over much of the midwests landscape. I’ve seen them do very well in extremely cold climates.
Care: Treat them like any maple. They grow very quickly on the ground. Free draining soil and plenty of water seems to work well. They respond well to being fertilized as well.
Size: 6-10 inches tall.
Notes: This is a deciduous tree and therefore will not have foliage during the winter.