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Acer palmatum 'Beni Tsukasa'




Archive entry 08.05.22

The R.H.S. gave it an Award of Merit in 1991 and described it as a "rather twiggy shrub with red stems ".
... and it has thick red colour that drips from the branches like an exotic floral resin.
I kept all of the Acer palmatum cultivars in pots for a couple of years but I ran out of space and they started to suffer, so eventually they were all planted out to take their chances. So far I have been pleased with they way they have prospered.
Bright pink spring foliage matures green with some brownish undertones. Burns into scarlet magnificence in the autumn.

Gordon Harris says:

"The unusual foliage distinguishes this clone. The small leaves are yellowish with tomes of crimson coming green with shades of pink and red in summer. This makes a rather shrubby plant up to about 1.5 - 1.8m (5-6ft)."

Mr Maple says:

"Originating from the esteemed Tsukasa Maple Nursery in Japan, Beni Tsukasa translates to "beautiful colors"," encapsulating what this variety brings to the table. Renowned for its upright growth form, this maple can easily grow into a full-sized tree, making it a valuable addition to any garden space. Notably, its smaller leaves enhance its aesthetic appeal, contributing to a dense, lush appearance.
One of the standout features of the 'Beni Tsukasa' is its stunning spring coloration. As the warm weather rolls in, the leaves unfurl showcasing a vibrant pink hue that can brighten any garden. Its spring leaves are sometimes described as having a shrimp pink quality, producing an enchanting visual effect, particularly against the backdrop of refreshing greens that appear later in the season.>br> As if the spring colors were not enough, 'Beni Tsukasa' continues to impress throughout the summer months. It can maintain a subtle pink tint, creating an eye-catching contrast among green foliage. This burst of colors is particularly significant for gardeners who appreciate a dynamic and changing landscape.
In addition to its spring and summer allure, Acer palmatum 'Beni Tsukasa' transforms once again during fall. The leaves shift to a vibrant red, accentuating the seasonal changes and adding a pop of color that keeps the interest of onlookers long after summer fades.
It's essential to understand that the spring coloration of 'Beni Tsukasa' can be influenced by varying weather conditions. Cold snaps, especially as the tree is leafing out, may lead to unexpected color variations. In some cases, leaf colors can be affected, resulting in unexpected yellowish undertones. This adaptability to changing weather patterns can be a delightful surprise for gardeners, as each year may yield a distinct aesthetic.



4th June 2006



2nd August 2007 18th April 2015 17th April 2019



2nd May 2020 17th June 2022 6th May 2023



References:
  • Junker, Karan - 'A Plant for all seasons', Journal of the RHS, Vol.123 , No.10 , p.720 (1998).
  • Harris, Gordon - 'Japanese Maples', The Plantsman, Vol.3 , No.4 (1982).
  • James Armitage, Dawn Edwards, Neil Lancaster, John G. Hillier and Roy Lancaster (eds), The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs, 8th edition, 2014.
  • J. D. Vertrees and Peter Gregory, Japanese Maples, Timber Press , 1978.
  • Trees and Shrubs online, https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/acer/acer-palmatum/ , accessed 11.10.2026.
  • Mr Maple, https://mrmaple.com/blogs/news/discover-the-beauty-of-acer-palmatum-beni-tsukasa-a-must-have-japanese-maple?srsltid=AU7gw4X7ygFyztIqKFbMcS5CiCW3FgQF9aj0wHyzYQk9LnahjJKnu7pK , accessed 11.10.2026.