Japanese Maple has been grown in temperate areas around the world since the 1800s and has been cultivated in Japan for centuries. Numerous cultivars are readily available commercially and are a popular item at garden centres and other retail stores in Europe and North America.
Red-leafed cultivars are the most popular, followed by cascading green shrubs with deeply dissected leaves. It is also a popular and appropriate choice for bonsai enthusiasts and has been used throughout the history of the art.