Images Depict Mature Plants
Viridis Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Viridis'
Viridis is one of my favorite Japanese maples when a landscape needs softness and movement instead of something upright and formal. I like it because the green laceleaf foliage feels fresh all season, the weeping form is beautiful near paths and raised beds, and the fall color gives you one more strong moment before winter. It has a calm, graceful look that makes a garden feel more refined right away.
15% OFF WITH CODE PLANTING15
Save 15% Off Your Entire Order! Limited time.
📦 Free shipping on orders over $99.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Graceful Green Laceleaf Form With Cascading Beauty
A Classic Green Laceleaf Japanese Maple With Elegant Movement
Viridis Japanese Maple is one of the most graceful small ornamental trees you can add to a landscape. Its finely cut green leaves and softly cascading branches create a flowing, layered shape that feels refined, calming, and distinctly Japanese maple-like. When homeowners want a tree that adds texture and movement instead of upright formality, Viridis is an exceptional choice.
Its shape is one of its greatest strengths. Rather than growing stiffly upright, it forms a broad, mounded canopy with weeping branches that spill downward in a waterfall-like effect. That gives the tree a softer, more sculptural presence and makes it especially effective where the branch structure can be viewed from slightly above or from the side.
Fresh Green Foliage and Bright Fall Color
Viridis Japanese Maple brings a different look than red laceleaf varieties. The foliage emerges bright green to chartreuse, matures into a richer green through summer, and then transitions into bright yellow, golden, or yellow-orange tones in fall. That shift gives the tree strong seasonal value while keeping the overall look lighter and fresher than darker-leaved maples.
This color progression makes Viridis especially easy to work into the landscape. It pairs beautifully with darker evergreens, burgundy foliage plants, stone features, water elements, and flowering perennials. It can soften bold hardscape, brighten darker planting areas, and bring a more serene quality to garden designs that need texture and contrast without heavy color.
A Weeping Ornamental Tree for Small Gardens and Focal-Point Planting
Viridis Japanese Maple is a very good choice for homeowners who want a statement tree without giving up too much space. Its habit is low, broad, and cascading rather than tall and upright, which makes it ideal for island beds, slopes, raised planters, foundation corners, patio gardens, and focal-point plantings near walkways or seating areas.
Because of the way it spreads and drapes, it is especially effective where the weeping form can be appreciated. Planting it near a retaining wall, beside a path, or in an elevated bed helps show off the layered structure and gives the tree room to do what it does best. For smaller landscapes that need a true specimen plant, Viridis brings a lot of personality in a manageable footprint.
A Great Choice for Slopes, Raised Beds, and Refined Garden Design
One of the most useful things about Viridis is how naturally it fits into more designed spaces. Its cascading form works beautifully on slopes, at the edge of terraces, or in raised beds where the branches can spill naturally. It also makes an excellent accent near stones, water features, and garden seating because the fine foliage and mounded shape add softness and movement.
This is the kind of tree that helps a planting feel thoughtful and layered. Instead of just filling space, it adds character and structure. For homeowners who want an ornamental tree that looks artistic without feeling fussy, Viridis Japanese Maple is a very strong choice.
Easy Elegance With the Right Siting
Viridis Japanese Maple performs best in moist, well-drained soil and usually appreciates some protection from the harshest afternoon conditions in hotter climates. In cooler regions, it can handle more sun, while in warmer areas, part shade or morning sun with afternoon protection often helps preserve leaf quality and overall appearance.
Like many Japanese maples, it does not need aggressive maintenance. Once established in the right location, it becomes a dependable ornamental tree with excellent texture, strong seasonal beauty, and relatively simple care. For homeowners who want a green laceleaf Japanese maple with classic weeping form and standout fall color, Viridis remains one of the best choices available.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 10 feet |
| Mature Width: | 6 to 10 feet |
| Sunlight: | Filtered sun, part sun, or partial shade; can take more sun in cooler climates |
| Bloom Time / Color | Grown for foliage rather than flowers |
| Soil Condition: | Moist, well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Regular moisture during establishment; keep evenly moist but not soggy |
| Ornamental Features | Finely cut green foliage, cascading weeping habit, bright yellow to golden fall color |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Low-maintenance when properly sited; best performance with protection from harsh drought and drying exposure |
| Landscape Uses | Specimen tree, slope planting, raised beds, patio garden, focal point planting |
How to Care for Viridis Japanese Maple
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Viridis Japanese Maple tree for years to come!
-v1744554337014.png?92x91){kind=icon}
How should I plant Viridis Japanese Maple?
Plant Viridis Japanese Maple in well-drained soil where it has room to develop its broad, cascading habit. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball itself, and set the tree so the root flare sits at or slightly above grade. Choose a location where the branches can spread and drape naturally without being crowded by walls, foundations, or larger shrubs. Viridis looks especially good in elevated beds, on slopes, near pathways, or in island beds where the weeping form can be fully appreciated. If possible, give it a spot where the layered branching can be viewed from slightly above or from multiple angles.
-v1744554346413.png?89x84){kind=icon}
How often should I water Viridis Japanese Maple after planting?
Water deeply right after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the establishment period. Deep watering is more helpful than frequent shallow watering because it encourages stronger root development and helps the tree settle in more successfully. Once established, Viridis still prefers steady moisture but should never sit in soggy soil. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, especially during hot or dry weather. In periods of drought, extra watering may be needed to keep the foliage looking fresh.
-v1744554355841.png?90x89){kind=icon}
When should I fertilize Viridis Japanese Maple?
Viridis Japanese Maple usually does not need heavy feeding. In most landscapes, a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring is enough if the tree appears to need support. Good soil, proper watering, and mulch are often more important than frequent fertilization. Too much fertilizer can encourage overly soft growth and take away from the refined habit that makes laceleaf Japanese maples so appealing. A modest approach is generally best for a tree grown mainly for form, texture, and foliage beauty.
When and how should I prune Viridis Japanese Maple?
Viridis Japanese Maple usually needs only light pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and preserve the tree’s natural cascading structure rather than trying to force it into a tighter outline. If shaping is needed, use a restrained approach. The goal is to maintain the graceful, layered habit that gives the tree its character. Most of the time, less pruning produces a better and more natural-looking specimen.
