Trees
Acer palmatum 'Goshiki kotohime'
Goshiki kotohime Japanese maple
Small leaves cluster tightly near the ends of the branches, giving Goshiki kotohime a distinctive compact texture. This variegated form of Kotohime shows subtle early-season pink and white mottling before becoming greener in summer. Autumn adds yellow-orange through orange-red tones to its small-scale branching framework.
At a glance
- Sun
- Shade
- Size
- Height: 2–4 ft in 10 years · Width: 1–2 ft in 10 years
- Water
- Evenly moist, well-drained soil
- Hardiness
- USDA 6–9
Sizes & prices
- #1Goshiki Kotohime Japanese Maple$64.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Landscape use & tree form
- Use
- Ornamental specimen
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Form
- Narrow upright dwarf
- Growth rate
- 4–8 inches/year (grower estimate)
Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Mild resistance reported for Japanese maple; protect young trees.
- Drought
- Poor tolerance; dry soil can scorch leaves.
- Wet soil
- Needs drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Seasonal interest
- Fall color
- Orange
- Spring foliage
- Green with pink and white mottling
- Summer foliage
- Green
Growing & care
- Soil
- Humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist but freely draining soil; avoid saturated planting pockets.
- Pruning
- Keep pruning minimal and preserve the natural branching. Remove dead or crossing shoots; make small corrective cuts after full leaf expansion to limit sap bleeding. Cut back to a well-placed side branch, without leaving stubs.
Sources & photo credits
University of Minnesota Extension
Iowa State University Extension
Photo: David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0
Image notes: Goshiki kotohime Japanese maple photographed by David J. Stang; resized from the original under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.