Acer palmatum 'Snow Kitten'

Rare Variegated Mikawa yatsubusa

Dwarf Japanese Maple

Zones 5 - 9

'Snow Kitten' is perhaps one of the most striking and unique Japanese maples ever offered here on MrMaple. This is truly the ultimate collectors' Japanese maple. It was found by Larry Stanley as a variegated sport on a 'Mikawa yatsubusa' at his nursery. The story goes that Larry had a greenhouse collapse and out of the debris stuck this pink and white variegated beauty. Fred Hooks later named this tree 'Snow Kitten'. 'Snow Kitten' puts on quite the show. New growth can be variegated similar to 'Cotton Candy' in the 'Oridono nishiki' style. Pruning this tree can encourage more variegation. 'Snow Kitten' is extremely beautiful, but it may be a more finicky plant as well. It is a slow grower and especially susceptible to spring frosts. 'Snow Kitten' may reach 2-3 ft in height and width in 10 years. Fall color on 'Snow Kitten' is orange to red with pink variegation. 'Snow Kitten' has been known under the names 'Yama yuki', 'Yuki yama', and 'Elmer'. While this tree is more commonly known as 'Yuki yama' in the nursery trade, this name translates as "pile of snow" which isn't really the way you even say that in Japanese. We have decided to go with the original name of 'Snow Kitten'. In spite of its fragility, 'Snow Kitten' is well worth the effort in producing a truly unique and memorable landscape feature. With careful planning and management, this Japanese maple can be a stunning addition to any garden.

Limited Quantities Available !! As we have over a thousand cultivars of Japanese maples, we often do not have many of each cultivar. We recommend that you buy the Japanese maples you want immediately as we often sell out of certain selections.