Metamorphosa Japanese Maple

Metamorphosa® is a deciduous Japanese maple grown for deeply cut leaves that change color from spring through fall. New foliage opens yellow with pink-red edges, then shifts toward green-and-white variegation before turning orange-red and red-violet in autumn, giving a sheltered garden or large container a changing focal point. ## Landscape use and size The compact, shrubby form works as a specimen, in a mixed border or foundation planting, and in a large container. [Proven Winners lists](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/metamorphosa-acer/) a U.S. range of 5–13 ft tall by 3–10 ft wide; the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/371582/acer-palmatum-arjos1-pbr/details) gives 1–1.5 m tall and 0.5–1 m wide. Because published mature sizes differ substantially, check local nursery information and allow room for the larger U.S. range. The cultivar has a spreading, arching habit and can be trained into a small multi-stem tree. ## Light and soil Grow in full sun to part sun. In hot regions, afternoon shade can help protect the foliage from stress. Provide moist, well-drained soil and water during dry summer periods; this is not a dry-garden maple. It tolerates several soil textures, and the RHS lists acidic to neutral pH. Spring flowers are red but visually secondary to the foliage. ## Breeder, brand and patent The cultivar name is ‘ARJOS1’; Metamorphosa® is marketed by [Proven Winners ColorChoice](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/metamorphosa-acer/). The U.S. patent records it as a branch mutation of ‘Orange Dream’, discovered in the Netherlands by Johannes van Meuwen and Arie Keijzer. [U.S. Plant Patent 32,420](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP32420P2/en) was granted November 3, 2020. ## Maintenance This is a low-maintenance maple once established. Keep the root zone evenly moist during establishment and water during prolonged summer dryness. Regular pruning is unnecessary and can spoil its natural form; remove dead or damaged wood as needed. In warm climates, afternoon shade and protection from drying exposure help reduce leaf scorch.