Light Up Your Yard With a Japanese Maple

5. Popular Japanese Maple Types

With so many types to choose from, it can be hard to pick a favorite. Here are a few of the most popular Japanese maple cultivars: Red Dragon: Suited for USDA zones 5-8, this tree features serrated leaves that turn from deep purple to bright red in the fall. Ideal for containers, this is a slow-growing tree that only reaches about five feet tall. Waterfall: This heat-tolerant variety features weeping green leaves that turn a shockingly bright red-orange in the fall. It's cascading shape gives it its name.