Which Yellow Japanese Maple Holds Its Color Best in Summer? | 14 Different Maples Compared

If you're looking for a Japanese Maple that stays yellow well into the summer, this comparison is for you! One of the biggest challenges with yellow Japanese Maples is that many of them emerge with brilliant golden or chartreuse spring foliage, only to fade to green as temperatures rise. In this video, I compare 14 different yellow Japanese Maple cultivars growing side-by-side in my Central Virginia garden during the middle of summer to see which ones truly hold their yellow color the best. After growing Japanese Maples for nearly a decade and collecting more than 130 different cultivars, I've learned that not all yellow maples perform the same, especially in the heat and humidity of the South. During this comparison, I'll show you each cultivar's current summer color, discuss how much yellow each tree has retained, talk about their growth habits, and share my firsthand experience growing them through hot summers, drought, and changing weather conditions. Whether you're looking for a bright golden focal point or a tree that keeps its color all season long, this video will help you choose the right cultivar for your garden. The Yellow Japanese Maples Featured in This Comparison: Summer Gold Orange Dream Jordan Sunny Moonrise Hot Blonde Golden Falls Dragon Master Autumn Moon Aureum Marmalade Sagara Nishiki Hoshi Yadori Mayday I'd love to hear from you! Which yellow Japanese Maple do you think has the best summer color? Let me know in the comments below. If you enjoy Japanese Maple comparisons, cultivar reviews, and weekly garden tours from my Central Virginia garden, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future videos!