Acer 'Scarlet Princess'
Best dwarf shrub for small-space gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance color.
The Acer 'Scarlet Princess' is a captivating dwarf Japanese Maple, ideal for adding a touch of elegance to containers or as a standout garden specimen. Its distinctive laceleaf foliage emerges a vibrant bright pink, maturing to a rich crimson that provides stunning color through summer and fall. This variety, a mutation of 'Crimson Queen', offers dramatic visual interest with its slender leaf lobes that cast beautiful shadows. Reaching a modest mature size of 4 feet by 4 feet, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, requiring minimal maintenance once established, making it a low-effort, high-impact addition to any landscape.
$79.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1914
/ 3331
#1914 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
+103%
Above average
Mature Height
4
/ Feet
Who it's for
- Landscapers looking for sophisticated, airy textural contrast
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, year-round foliage interest
- Urban dwellers with limited patio or rock garden space
Who should skip it
- Homeowners with gardens exposed to intense afternoon sun
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting fast-growing, affordable landscape options
- Gardeners in regions prone to harsh winds and late frosts
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Vibrant pink-to-crimson foliage provides exceptional seasonal color contrast.
Container Suitability
Compact dwarf habit makes it perfect for patio pots and containers.
Maintenance Effort
Requires minimal upkeep once established in the landscape.
Hardiness Range
Versatile growth across USDA zones five through nine.
Spatial Efficiency
Four-foot footprint fits easily into small gardens or tight spaces.
Architectural Interest
Slender laceleaf lobes create sophisticated shadow patterns in sunlight.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4 Feet
Mature Width
4 Feet
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Tree Species
Maple
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Spring
Water Needs
Moderate
Features
- Laceleaf foliage with striking color change.
- Compact size perfect for containers.
- Creates dramatic shadow effects.
- Dwarf Japanese Maple variety.
- Bright pink to crimson foliage.
- Ideal for specimen planting.
- Low maintenance after shaping.
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the striking, deep red foliage of the 'Scarlet Princess,' noting that the tree's appearance often exceeds expectations. The primary theme is quality; buyers frequently mention receiving healthy, well packaged specimens that establish quickly. While the initial investment is significant, the tree's reliable performance and unique ornamental value lead most consumers to feel satisfied with their purchase. This cultivar is highly recommended for its reliable color and vigor.
Know before you buy
Yes, its compact 4-foot by 4-foot size makes it an excellent candidate for container gardening. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
While it can tolerate full sun, it performs best in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Providing some protection from intense afternoon sun helps prevent the delicate laceleaf foliage from scorching.
The 'Scarlet Princess' is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. If you live in a zone colder than 5, you may need to provide winter protection or move container-grown plants into a sheltered area.
No, this is a low-maintenance shrub. Once established, it maintains its dwarf habit naturally and only requires occasional pruning to remove dead wood or to shape it to your preference.
It requires moderate watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained, particularly during the first growing season while the root system is establishing itself.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$80