Japanese Maple Acer ‘Bi-hoo’ 60/80cm (3L)

Japanese Maple ‘Bi-hoo’ – Acer palmatum is a captivating deciduous shrub that delivers a spectacular display of colour throughout the seasons. Also known as ‘Bi Hō’, this exceptional cultivar showcases yellow-green lobed leaves that emerge in spring with a delightful salmon-pink flush, creating an enchanting palette that sets it apart from other Japanese maples. As the growing season progresses, the foliage maintains its attractive yellow-green hue before transforming into stunning shades of yellow and orange in autumn, providing a glorious finale before the leaves fall.

The true magic of ‘Bi-hoo’ reveals itself during winter months when the deciduous foliage drops away to expose the plant’s architectural framework. The golden-yellow and orange coloured stems create a striking winter feature that brings warmth and interest to gardens during the coldest months. This seasonal transformation makes it an invaluable specimen for year-round appeal, offering something special in every season.

This particular plant is supplied at 60-80cm in height, presented in a 3-litre pot, making it an ideal size for establishing in your garden. Japanese maples are renowned for their elegant growth habit and refined appearance, and ‘Bi-hoo’ exemplifies these qualities perfectly. The delicate, palmate foliage creates a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with bolder garden plants, whilst the compact nature makes it suitable for smaller gardens, courtyard spaces, and even large containers.

Growing ‘Bi-hoo’

Japanese Maple ‘Bi-hoo’ thrives in partial shade, though it can tolerate more sun in cooler northern regions. Protection from harsh afternoon sun and cold, drying winds is essential to prevent leaf scorch and maintain the foliage in pristine condition. Choose a sheltered position where the plant can enjoy dappled light, particularly during the hottest part of the day.

Soil conditions are crucial for success with Japanese maples. ‘Bi-hoo’ requires moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It performs best in neutral to slightly acidic conditions, so avoid planting in chalky or alkaline soils. If your garden has heavy clay, improve drainage by incorporating plenty of organic matter and consider planting on a slight mound. For container cultivation, use ericaceous or soil-based compost with excellent drainage.

Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first few years after planting whilst the root system establishes. Japanese maples have relatively shallow roots, so they benefit from a generous mulch of leaf mould or well-rotted compost applied in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provides gentle nutrition as it breaks down.

Pruning is generally minimal and should be carried out in late summer to early autumn when the sap is no longer rising vigorously. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain an open, balanced structure. Avoid heavy pruning as Japanese maples naturally develop an attractive shape without intervention.

Feed sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which can produce soft growth susceptible to frost damage. In containers, feed monthly during the growing season with a liquid ericaceous fertiliser.

Protect young plants from late spring frosts which can damage emerging foliage. A fleece covering or positioning near a sheltering wall can provide valuable protection during vulnerable periods. Container-grown specimens may need moving to a sheltered spot during severe winter weather.

Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres

Time to ultimate height
10–20 years

Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres

Please note: Decorative pots shown are for display purposes only. Your tree will be supplied in a standard plastic nursery pot shown in the other pictures.