
Images Depict Mature Plants
Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple Trees
Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’) is a breathtaking ornamental tree known for its stunning variegated foliage and compact, elegant form. In spring, the leaves emerge with soft peach, cream, and pink tones accented by delicate green veining, creating a watercolor-like effect that’s truly unique. As the seasons progress, the foliage shifts to creamy white and light green in summer, before transforming into vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold in the fall. Growing to a graceful 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, Peaches and Cream is an exceptional choice for adding bold, multi-season color to garden beds, entryways, patios, and Japanese-style landscapes.
Thriving best in partial shade with protection from the hot afternoon sun, Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil to support its vibrant color and delicate foliage. Its slower growth habit and manageable size make it perfect for smaller gardens, container planting, or as a striking focal point in mixed borders. This variety is also prized for its finely textured, deeply lobed leaves, which add graceful movement and refined texture to the landscape. Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering during dry periods and light pruning to maintain its beautiful, natural shape.
Whether you're designing a serene Japanese garden, enhancing a shaded courtyard, or adding a statement plant to your backyard retreat, Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple offers unmatched beauty and sophistication. Its ever-changing foliage colors create dynamic visual interest throughout the seasons, providing year-round appeal. Easy to care for and breathtaking in appearance, Peaches and Cream is a must-have choice for gardeners and landscapers seeking a truly unique and elegant ornamental tree.

Hardiness Zone: | 5-8 |
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Mature Height: | 10 to 12 feet |
Mature Width: | 6 to 8 feet |
Classification: | Small tree |
Sunlight: | Part to full sun |
Habit: | Deciduous, densely branched |
Flower Color: | Insignificant |
Foliage: | Peach, Cream, and pink to green and then a brilliant shades of orange, red and gold in the fall |
Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point or a specimen planting, very slow growing |
How to Care for Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple
Before you buy a Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple, make sure to read about the care instructions that are recommended to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
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How Should I Plant My Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple Tree?
To plant your Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple tree successfully, choose a location that offers morning sun with dappled or afternoon shade to protect its delicate, variegated foliage from intense heat. The soil should be rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently loosen the roots if they are circling, place the tree in the hole, and ensure that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost, and water thoroughly to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. After planting, apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around the base of the tree to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during dry spells, to establish a deep, healthy root system. With careful planting and thoughtful site selection, your Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple will thrive, providing a breathtaking display of multi-season color and delicate beauty perfect for patios, shaded borders, or elegant garden focal points.
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How Should I Water My Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple Tree?
Watering your Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple tree properly is essential for maintaining its vibrant, variegated foliage and overall health. During the first year after planting, water deeply two to three times per week, making sure the soil remains consistently moist but not saturated. Focus on slow, deep watering at the root zone rather than frequent shallow watering, which can encourage weak, surface-level roots. Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system helps deliver water directly to the roots while minimizing splashing on the delicate leaves, which can help prevent fungal diseases. Once established, your Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple will require less frequent watering but should still be monitored closely during hot, dry periods, especially if planted in a sunnier location. Check the top 2–3 inches of soil regularly, and water when it feels dry to the touch. Applying a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree will help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce the need for constant watering. Consistent, deep watering will support strong root development, healthy growth, and the stunning seasonal color transitions that make Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple a show-stopping addition to any landscape.
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How Should I Fertilize My Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple Tree?
Fertilizing your Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple tree correctly helps maintain its vibrant variegated foliage and encourages healthy, controlled growth. In early spring, just before new leaves emerge, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer with a formula such as 10-10-10 or one designed specifically for trees and shrubs. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk, and water thoroughly to help nutrients soak into the soil. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote overly fast, weak growth that may diminish the delicate coloring of the foliage. For optimal performance, you can also top-dress the base of your Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple with organic compost or well-aged mulch to naturally enrich the soil throughout the growing season. In nutrient-poor soils, a second light feeding in mid-summer can be beneficial, but always avoid over-fertilizing, as it can stress the tree and lead to less vibrant foliage. With a consistent, moderate fertilization schedule, your Peaches and Cream will thrive, producing dazzling multi-toned leaves in spring, lush greenery in summer, and fiery fall colors, making it a prized centerpiece in any garden.

How and When Should I Prune My Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple Tree?
Pruning your Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple should be done thoughtfully to preserve its natural, elegant form and highlight its stunning variegated foliage. The best time to prune is in late winter to early spring, just before new growth begins but after the threat of severe frost has passed. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches using clean, sharp pruning shears. Focus on thinning out overly dense areas to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which helps maintain healthy foliage and prevents fungal issues. Always make cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction to encourage clean, healthy regrowth. Light maintenance pruning can also be done in mid-summer once the leaves have fully matured, allowing you to better see and refine the tree’s natural shape. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, as this can encourage tender new growth that may not harden off before winter. With careful, minimal pruning, your Peaches and Cream Japanese Maple will continue to showcase its breathtaking spring variegation, soft summer tones, and fiery fall colors year after year, serving as a refined focal point in shaded gardens, entryways, or serene landscape designs.