Species / Cultivar Description

Evergreen maple (Acer paxii) is an unusual evergreen maple native to China, retaining its small, glossy green leaves through winter rather than developing the typical deciduous cycle associated with most maples. Its naturally compact foliage, good branching response, and ability to develop a dense canopy make it particularly interesting for bonsai development. New growth can be vigorous when conditions are favorable, while repeated pruning encourages finer branching and reduced internode length. Its combination of maple-like structure and evergreen foliage makes Acer paxii a distinctive alternative to more familiar deciduous maple species.

Care Notes

• Light: Full sun to part sun; some protection from intense afternoon sun is beneficial during extreme summer heat

• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during active growth without allowing the soil to remain waterlogged

• Fertilizer: Moderate during active growth

• Bonsai Development: Responds well to pruning and develops increasingly fine branching with repeated growth cycles; young shoots can be wired, while older branches become progressively less flexible

• In-ground hardiness: Approximately Zone 7–9

• Winter Care: More cold-sensitive than deciduous maples; protect container-grown trees from hard freezes and prolonged subfreezing temperatures