Acer palmatum Tsuma Gaki - Japanese Maple with Red-Tipped Elegance

Japanese maple Tsuma-gaki, Acer palmatum Tsuma-ben

If you’re a gardening enthusiast with a fondness for elegant trees, Acer palmatum Tsuma Gaki, also known as the red fingernails Japanese maple, offers something truly special. This small, deciduous tree blends delicate beauty with striking colour contrasts, making it a favourite for ornamental gardens. The fascinating red-tipped foliage adds a splash of vibrancy throughout the growing season, and its compact size fits perfectly in many garden styles.

In this article, you’ll discover why the Acer palmatum Tsuma-gaki deserves a spot in your garden. From its distinctive leaf shape to tips on planting, care, and the best soil conditions, you’ll gain expert insights into this charming Japanese acer cultivar.

Acer palmatum Tsuma Gaki is a special cultivar of the Japanese maple, popular for its red-tipped leaves that resemble delicate fingernails. The name “Tsuma Gaki” translates roughly to “red fingernails,” referring to the vivid crimson tips on the soft yellow-green foliage. It grows as a slow-growing, compact shrub or small tree, making it an ideal choice for gardens with limited space.

This deciduous tree has palmate leaves, each lobe resembling a finger spreading out. The leaf tips’ red hue contrasts beautifully with the yellow-green summer leaves, adding a subtle but captivating highlight throughout the season. The tree reaches a height of about 70cm to 2 metres, making it ideal as an accent tree or a focal point in borders.

This Japanese maple cultivar is a slow-growing, deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in well-drained, moist but not waterlogged soil. It prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight to protect its delicate leaves from scorch, especially during hot afternoons. In cooler temperatures—ranging between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F)—the foliage maintains its vibrant colours best.

The tree’s growth habit is round and compact, creating an attractive natural shape that requires minimal pruning. It develops soft, ferny, lobed leaves that are yellow-green with striking red tips in summer. Come autumn, the foliage turns vibrant crimson, adding seasonal interest to your garden.

Choose a location that offers partial shade or morning sun with afternoon shade to help the tree avoid leaf scorch. The soil should be moist but well-drained, ideally enriched with organic matter to retain moisture without becoming soggy. Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged spots, as this cultivar dislikes poor drainage.

Because the Acer palmatum Tsuma-gaki prefers consistent moisture, mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. The tree performs well in temperate climates where temperatures generally range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), and it appreciates some shelter from strong winds.

This cultivar is prized for its delicate, colourful foliage that adds subtle drama to gardens throughout the growing season. The red-tipped leaves resemble fine strokes of paint, creating a soft yet vivid contrast against the yellow-green base. In autumn, the foliage turns a deep crimson red, enriching garden palettes as other plants begin to fade.

Its compact size and slow growth make it ideal for small gardens or courtyard spaces. The soft yellow-green leaves with crimson tips offer visual interest even when the tree is not in full autumn colour. The lobed, palmate leaves provide a gentle texture that complements other perennials or shrubs in a naturalistic planting style.

In early spring, the Acer palmatum Tsuma Gaki begins to leaf out with bright, fresh foliage. The leaf tips begin to show their signature red colour as they expand. Throughout summer, the leaves remain yellow-green with distinctive red tips, creating a pleasing bi-colour effect.

Come autumn, the tree offers a stunning display as its leaves shift through shades of yellow to vibrant crimson. This seasonal transformation makes the Tsuma-gaki a highlight for autumn borders or woodland gardens. After leaf drop, the tree’s compact, rounded branch structure continues to add form and interest through winter.

This Japanese maple cultivar thrives in moist but well-drained soil. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH and benefits from soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth. Adding grit or sand to heavy soils improves drainage.

Maintaining consistent soil moisture is crucial, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to waterlogging. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and regulate temperature, which benefits this delicate, slow-growing tree.

Caring for the Acer palmatum Tsuma-gaki is straightforward, thanks to its naturally slow growth and compact form. Water regularly during dry periods to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent it from becoming soggy. Applying mulch annually helps retain moisture and adds nutrients.

Prune lightly in late winter or early spring if needed to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning as it can affect the natural form. Protect the tree from strong afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch, and provide shelter from harsh winds.

This red-tipped Japanese maple suits a variety of garden styles. Use it as an accent tree in borders, where its bright foliage contrasts with darker greens. It fits nicely into naturalistic gardens, cottage gardens, or as a focal point in small urban spaces.

Its compact size makes it perfect for patios or containers, bringing seasonal colour and texture close to your home. Plant it alongside perennials with complementary tones, such as hostas or ferns, to create layered interest.

While primarily grown for its ornamental qualities, the Acer palmatum Tsuma-gaki contributes to garden biodiversity by providing shelter and habitat. Deciduous trees like this one support insect populations, which in turn attract birds and beneficial wildlife.

Its foliage offers seasonal shelter and microhabitats, helping create a balanced garden ecosystem. Integrating this tree with nectar-rich and pollinator-friendly plants enhances your garden’s wildlife-friendly credentials.

While Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ isn’t currently growing in my garden, it’s one I keep coming back to when planning future additions. Its striking spring foliage — with those red-tipped young leaves — brings a subtle drama that few other acers offer. I think it’s perfect for adding seasonal interest without overpowering the rest of the planting. If you’ve got a sheltered spot with dappled light and well-drained soil, this Japanese maple can reward you with year-round beauty. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add structure, colour, and a touch of refinement to their space.

• Acer palmatum Tsuma Gaki is a slow-growing, compact Japanese maple cultivar known for its striking red-tipped, yellow-green leaves
• It thrives best in moist but well-drained soil with partial shade or filtered sun, avoiding hot afternoon sun
• The tree’s foliage turns vibrant crimson in autumn, adding seasonal colour interest
• Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape without heavy cutting
• Mulch regularly to retain soil moisture and improve soil conditions
• Perfect as an accent tree for borders, patios, and small gardens
• Available from specialist nurseries, it adapts well to temperate climates with good care
• Supports garden biodiversity by providing shelter for insects and other wildlife

Acer palmatum Tsuma Gaki is a striking Japanese maple for UK gardens, preferring a sheltered, partially shaded spot with moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. It is hardy down to -20°C (-4°F) and typically grows to 2–3 metres (6.5–10 feet) in 5-10 years. Its main appeal lies in its dynamic foliage, which transitions from red-pink in spring to green with red tips in summer, culminating in brilliant autumn colours. Essential care includes consistent watering, minimal pruning, and shelter from strong winds to protect its delicate leaves.

Want to learn about other shrub varieties? Read about Callicarpa bodinieri Profusion here.

For more information on Shrubs for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’, and why is it called the ‘Red Fingernails’ Japanese maple?

A: Acer palmatum Tsuma Gaki, also known as the ‘Red Fingernails’ Japanese maple, is a striking cultivar admired for its unique foliage. In early spring, the palmate leaves emerge a soft, yellow-green with dramatic, crimson-red tips—hence the nickname. As the season progresses, the leaves mature to a vibrant green before turning fiery red in autumn. This deciduous shrub or small tree typically grows in a compact, rounded form, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as an ornamental accent tree. Its graceful structure and changing foliage colours make Tsuma Gaki a highly sought-after addition to any garden.

Q: What are the best growing conditions for Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’?

A: To thrive, Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ prefers moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. While it tolerates full sun, partial shade is ideal—especially in gardens with strong afternoon sun—to prevent leaf scorch. Shelter from strong winds and late frosts is also beneficial. This slow-growing deciduous tree is well-suited to woodland borders, courtyards, or as a specimen in containers. Ensure consistent soil moisture during dry periods, especially in its formative years. Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and feed lightly with a balanced slow-release product in early spring.

Q: When and how should I prune Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’?

A: Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ requires minimal pruning due to its naturally elegant form. If shaping or thinning is needed, do so in late winter or early spring before the sap rises. Avoid pruning during summer or autumn, as this can stress the tree or expose it to disease. Remove any dead, crossing, or damaged branches to maintain a balanced and structurally sound tree. Use sharp, clean tools and make precise cuts just above the junction of a bud or branch. For container-grown specimens, light pruning will help preserve shape and size. Avoid excessive cutting, as this can ruin the tree’s delicate silhouette.

Q: What does the foliage of Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ look like throughout the year?

A: The foliage of Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ is its standout feature. In early spring, the soft yellow-green palmate leaves emerge with striking crimson tips—resembling painted fingernails. As summer progresses, the leaves turn green with red-tipped lobes that retain a subtle decorative contrast. Come autumn, the tree puts on a spectacular display as the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of crimson. These seasonal colour shifts make Tsuma Gaki highly ornamental and ideal for gardens where year-round interest is desired. Its lobed, delicately textured foliage pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants in layered borders.

Q: Can Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ be grown in a pot?

A: Yes, Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ is well suited to container cultivation due to its compact and slow-growing habit. Choose a large pot with good drainage holes and use a high-quality, loam-based ericaceous compost mixed with horticultural grit to enhance drainage. Position the container in dappled shade or a sheltered spot to avoid leaf scorch from harsh afternoon sun. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during warmer months. Feed with a slow-release formula in spring and repot every few years to refresh the soil. Its sculptural form and striking seasonal foliage make it perfect for patios and courtyards.

Q: Where can I buy Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ in the UK?

A: Acer palmatum ‘Tsuma Gaki’ is available from specialist nurseries, local garden centres, and reputable online retailers across the UK. Often listed under Japanese maple collections or the specific cultivar name, it can be purchased as a young grafted sapling or as a more established specimen. Online suppliers typically offer nationwide delivery, with seasonal availability peaking in spring and autumn. When buying online, look for nurseries that guarantee plant health and provide clear care instructions. Whether you’re looking to enhance a border or add interest to a shaded terrace, this red-tipped Japanese maple is a superb choice.