Velvet Viking Japanese Maple
Velvet Viking Japanese Maple
Velvet Viking Japanese Maple finally brings genuine lace-leaf Japanese maple beauty to Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, and Plymouth gardens โ a First Editions selection proven to survive Minnesota winters.
About Velvet Viking Japanese Maple
| Botanical Name | Acer palmatum 'Velvet Viking' |
| Mature Size | 8-10ft tall ร 8-10ft wide |
| Bloom / Foliage | Subtle spring flowers; brilliant orange-red fall color |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun to part shade. Japanese maples prefer part shade with afternoon protection. |
| Water Needs | Prefers consistent moisture, especially in first two years. Tolerates short dry spells once established. |
| Soil | Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil โ amend with compost. |
| Hardiness Zones | 4-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4bโ5a). Reliable to -25ยฐF or colder depending on cultivar. |
| Deer Resistance | Moderately deer-resistant |
| Foliage | Deciduous โ varied summer foliage (green, burgundy, gold, variegated) with brilliant fall color |
| Growth Rate | Moderate โ 12-24 inches per year for most ornamental maples |
Why You'll Love Velvet Viking Japanese Maple
Specimen tree
Ornamental maples are anchor specimens for the front yard or focal-point plantings. Their fall color rivals any tree in the Minnesota landscape.
Shade tree replacement
For homeowners replacing emerald-ash-borer-killed ash trees, hardy maples are a top choice โ similar canopy, similar growth rate, and rock-solid in zone 4.
Fall color
Minnesota fall is famous worldwide and maples are a big reason why. Reliable orange-red-gold display every October.
First true zone 4 hardy dissectum Japanese maple
First weeping lace-leaf Japanese maple hardy to zone 4. That's why Velvet Viking Japanese Maple has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog โ it's a maple we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.
Planting Velvet Viking Japanese Maple in the Twin Cities
Best planting window: Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat โ Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.
Site selection: Full sun to part shade. Japanese maples prefer part shade with afternoon protection. Choose a location with the mature size of 8-10ft tall ร 8-10ft wide in mind โ give Velvet Viking Japanese Maple room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.
Soil prep: Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil โ amend with compost. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.
How to plant:
- Dig a hole 2ร the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Loosen the sides of the hole โ slick clay walls block root expansion.
- Set Velvet Viking Japanese Maple so the top of the root ball is 1-2" above grade.
- Backfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.
- Water deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.
- Mulch 2-3" deep, keeping mulch 2" away from the stem.
Watering & Care
First year (establishment): Water deeply 1-2ร per week from April through October. Velvet Viking Japanese Maple needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6" deep โ water when the top 2-3" feels dry.
Established (year 2+): Prefers consistent moisture, especially in first two years. Tolerates short dry spells once established. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.
Winter prep: Water deeply in late October before ground freeze โ this protects Velvet Viking Japanese Maple through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.
Pruning: Prune in late summer or early fall when sap flow is reduced. Avoid spring pruning when sap is rising โ heavy bleeding stresses the tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Velvet Viking Japanese Maple hardy in Minnesota?
Yes. Velvet Viking Japanese Maple is rated for zones 4-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4bโ5a) โ the Twin Cities metro is zone 4bโ5a, well within its hardiness range. First weeping lace-leaf Japanese maple hardy to zone 4.
How fast does Velvet Viking Japanese Maple grow?
Moderate โ 12-24 inches per year for most ornamental maples. Expect mature size (8-10ft tall ร 8-10ft wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.
Will deer eat Velvet Viking Japanese Maple?
Moderately deer-resistant. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.
Can I plant Velvet Viking Japanese Maple in part shade?
Full sun to part shade. Japanese maples prefer part shade with afternoon protection.
What size gallon should I buy?
We typically offer Velvet Viking Japanese Maple in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.
Where We Deliver
Three Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Velvet Viking Japanese Maple across the Twin Cities metro โ Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Velvet Viking Japanese Maple grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.