Acer palmatum 'Seigai'

Also Known As

Acer palmatum 'Akaji nishiki' (misapplied)
Acer palmatum 'Bonfire'
Acer palmatum 'Bonfire/seigai'
Bonfire Japanese Maple
Seigai Japanese Maple

Plant type

tree

size

H: 8'-15'
W: 8'-15'

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Acer palmatum 'Seigai' plant details

The cultivar names 'Bonfire', 'Seigai', and 'Akaji Nishiki' seem to be hopelessly confused in the nursery trade. Some sources list all three as synonymous while others claim one is distinct and the other two are synonymous with each other. Still others claim they are all distinct. There is also evidence that an Acer palmatum 'Akaji Nishiki' does not truly exist and that the cultivar name was somehow transferred from an Acer truncatum cultivar to an unknown selection of Acer palmatum. Greater consensus exists for 'Seigai' and 'Bonfire' being synonymous (with 'Seigai' given priority), with the plant known as 'Akaji Nishiki' being different, so we have followed this lead. If you have references or notable evidence to the contrary, please let us know! We are always interested in reducing confusion in the trade and helping home gardeners and professionals find the plants they are looking for.

Acer palmatum 'Seigai' is a moderate-growing, slow-growing broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. Attracts beneficial insects and birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Acer palmatum 'Seigai'

Plant type: tree
Plant family: sapindaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 FT - 15 FT - wide, 8 FT - 15 FT - tall
Uses: bonsai, container plant, fall color, small tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Acer palmatum 'Seigai'

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A bonfire of crimson in spring, a fire of orange-red in fall, (bronze-green in summer), this 8-12' shrub has a twiggy habit and small palmate leaves that make it a natural for bonsai, container or border. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

The new foliage is vibrant pink. After several weeks, it changes to dark green. In fall, this 8'-10' tree will change to bright red orange fall foliage.

By: Gossler Farms

The five to seven-lobed leaves emerge a brilliant crimson maturing to a bronze to blue-green. Fall color is again a striking flame-red. Translated the name means "a blue cliff". Also sold under the name of 'Bonfire'.

By: Bloom River Gardens

The most attractive feature of Bonfire is its brilliant scarlet foliage in spring. Leaves are 5cm long and wide with slightly toothed margins. In early summer the leaves of Bonfire change to a bronze tone before turning green for summer and then becoming gold/red in Autumn. This is a hardy cultivar that is well suited for bonsai use. Growth Rate slow, 5' x 3' in 10yrs

By: Garden World

A slow-growing Japanese Maple. Small leaves emerge in shades of orange and pink, softening to green by summer. Brilliant orange in fall.

By: Maplestone Ornamentals

Acer palmatum 'Bonfire' Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree - Excellent red spring color changes to green for summer and scarlet in the fall. Very small palmate leaves, an upright growth habit with twiggy branching and short internodes make this tree an ideal choice for bonsai, containers or the focal point in a small garden.

By: Kigi Nursery

Palmatum Group -red? Bonfire is synonymous with the cultivar 'Seigai'. Bonfire is best known for spectacular red foliage in the spring . The foliage bronzes in late spring, turns more green in late summer, and bursts into brilliant flame red colors again in the fall. It is a small growing tree only reaching about 12' tall over time. It has lots of tight twiggy shoots and is a favorite for bonsai.

By: Fantastic Plants

Spring growth crimson, turns bronzy green then flame-red in fall. Good for bonsai or containers

By: Lael's Moon Garden

PALMATUM, red. Syn. 'Bonfire'. 'Seigai' greets spring by bursting into brilliant crimson tones. This color lasts about a month then the small palmate leaves gradually become bronze, maturing to green and turning fiery red in the fall. It's twiggy habit makes a favorite for bonsai. Very striking tree!