Acer palmatum 'Ryusen' Weeping Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Ryusen’ is an exciting pendulous Japanese maple with palmate foliage and an exceptionally graceful, versatile form. A recent introduction from Kobayashi Nursery in Japan, this small, elegant tree brings an exotic appeal and unique shape to the landscape. Originally named ‘Ryu sei,’ meaning “dragon spirit,” ‘Ryusen’ is extremely pendulous and offers gardeners an opportunity to shape and train it in creative ways. In early spring, bright chartreuse-green new growth emerges, beautifully contrasting with the older smooth dark green foliage that develops through summer. In autumn, the foliage transforms into spectacular shades of bright red to deep orange. Left to grow naturally, ‘Ryusen’ typically reaches approximately 5–6 ft in 15 years, while staking a central leader can dramatically change its form and add height and unique branching. Its versatility even allows it to be grown in unusual ways, including from hanging baskets. Heat tolerant, durable, and vigorous, ‘Ryusen’ performs well in full sun through Zone 8 and is also excellent in shade.

• Growth Habit: Extremely pendulous, cascading form; can be staked to create height and unique branching
• 15-Year Size: Approximately 5–6 ft tall when grown in its natural form
• Growth Rate: Vigorous
• Foliage: Bright chartreuse-green new growth in spring, maturing to smooth dark green through summer
• Fall Color: Bright red to deep orange
• Origin: Recent introduction from Kobayashi Nursery in Japan; originally named ‘Ryu sei,’ meaning “dragon spirit”
• Light: Full sun through Zone 8; also performs well in shade
• Soil: Well-drained, organically rich soil
• Hardiness: Zones 5–9
• Heat Tolerance: Excellent; very durable and heat tolerant
• Best Uses: Containers, patios, bonsai, small gardens, landscape focal points, banks, and water features
• Best Feature: Extremely pendulous form that can be creatively trained and shaped
• Garden Interest: Chartreuse spring growth, dark green summer foliage, brilliant fall color, and exceptional cascading form
• Why You'll Love It: ‘Ryusen’ offers an incredible combination of durability, versatility, and unique form. Its extremely pendulous growth allows gardeners to explore creative possibilities, from naturally cascading specimens to staked focal-point trees and even container plantings. Add its bright spring color and spectacular red-to-orange fall display, and ‘Ryusen’ becomes a truly distinctive Japanese maple for the landscape.