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Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple

Most loved for its finely lobed purple-red foliage that holds colour through summer before turning crimson in autumn, combined with its graceful branching and compact form.

Regular price $210.00
Sale price $210.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Approx. 1.6m – 2.5m$210.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.2m – 2.8m$400.00
50cm/75LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$650.00
100LApprox. height: Approx. 2.2m – 2.7m$880.00
150LApprox. height: Approx. 2.8m – 4.0m$1,400.00
200LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$2,130.00
1500LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$25,750.00
2000LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$32,530.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

Delivery is calculated at checkout.

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    About Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' is the classic burgundy Japanese Maple, with finely lobed purple-red foliage that holds rich colour through the entire growing season. Leaves emerge deep burgundy in spring, deepen through summer, and shift to vivid crimson in autumn, giving more sustained colour impact than green-leaved cultivars that only colour in autumn.

    Atropurpureum grows to 4-6 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with a rounded canopy form. The compact size and elegant branching habit suit residential gardens, courtyards, Japanese-style landscapes, and large pots, and the deep foliage colour contrasts beautifully against green hedges, pale walls, and architectural stonework.

    Atropurpureum performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW Southern Highlands, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. In warmer climates plant in part shade to protect foliage from scorching, in well-drained soil with consistent moisture during dry spells.

    Atropurpureum or Osakazuki? Both are upright Acer palmatum cultivars. Atropurpureum holds deep burgundy-purple foliage through the whole growing season. Osakazuki has bright green summer foliage that transitions to famously brilliant scarlet in autumn. Choose Atropurpureum for continuous purple foliage, or Osakazuki for explosive autumn impact.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple

    How tall does Atropurpureum grow?

    Atropurpureum grows to 4-6 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with a rounded canopy form.

    How fast does Atropurpureum grow?

    Atropurpureum has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.

    What colour is Atropurpureum?

    Atropurpureum produces deep burgundy to purple-red foliage in spring, holding rich colour through summer, then deepening to vivid crimson in autumn before leaves drop. Its summer colour holds better than many other red-leaf maples.

    Where in Australia does Atropurpureum grow best?

    Atropurpureum performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW Southern Highlands, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. In warmer climates plant in part shade to protect foliage from scorching.

    Can Atropurpureum grow in pots?

    Yes. Atropurpureum is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is widely used as a courtyard, balcony, or entrance feature.

    What is the difference between Atropurpureum and standard Japanese Maple?

    Standard Acer palmatum produces green spring foliage with red-orange autumn colour. Atropurpureum offers rich burgundy-purple foliage through the growing season, making it the choice for continuous colour rather than just autumn impact.

    Is Atropurpureum deciduous?

    Yes. Atropurpureum is fully deciduous. It drops its crimson autumn foliage in winter and produces new burgundy spring leaves.

    Foliage

    Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Vase - Shaped
    • Broad
    • Rounded
    • Upright
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    Mature height
    4m to 6m
    Mature width
    4m to 5m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple

    Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30cm to 45cm per year (slow to moderate).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, keep the root zone consistently moist with weekly deep watering and additional water during hot dry spells.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for scale or sooty mould in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple in Different Soil

    Acer palmatum performs best in rich, well-drained loam with a slightly acidic pH and consistent moisture. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage and organic matter are managed well.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining but enrich heavily with compost and mulch deeply to hold moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost, and mound slightly to lift the root zone.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent flowering.

    pH: Slightly acidic preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter or pine bark to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple works in an:

    • Japanese Inspired – serene balance of form, foliage, and flow.
    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 4m to 6m

    Mature Width: 4m to 5m

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30cm to 45cm per year (slow to moderate).

    Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30cm to 45cm per year (slow to moderate).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple

    Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple frost tolerant?

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

    Does Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple Flower?

    Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ produces small clusters of red spring flowers that sit delicately beneath the emerging foliage. Though subtle, these early blooms offer a light seasonal highlight and provide a pollen source for beneficial insects.

    Does Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Pollinator-attracting

    Flower Colour:

    Red

    Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is Native to Native to Japan, Korea, and China, where Acer palmatum grows naturally in woodlands. ‘Atropurpureum’ is a long-cultivated selection valued for its deep foliage colour.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple ?

    Its fine branching provides sheltered perching and nesting sites for small birds, while its spring flowers support native bees and beneficial insects. The dense canopy also creates a cool micro-habitat that enriches garden biodiversity.

    How much Sunlight does Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple need?

    Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It can struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter to increase aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then continue with deep, occasional watering as the tree matures, especially during hot, dry periods.

    Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple Drought Tolerant?

    Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it requires consistent watering, but once established Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ develops low to moderate drought tolerance. It prefers protection from hot, dry winds and benefits from deep, occasional watering during extended heat to maintain leaf colour and canopy health.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall does Atropurpureum grow?

    Atropurpureum grows to 4-6 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with a rounded canopy form.

    How fast does Atropurpureum grow?

    Atropurpureum has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.

    What colour is Atropurpureum?

    Atropurpureum produces deep burgundy to purple-red foliage in spring, holding rich colour through summer, then deepening to vivid crimson in autumn before leaves drop. Its summer colour holds better than many other red-leaf maples.

    Where in Australia does Atropurpureum grow best?

    Atropurpureum performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW Southern Highlands, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. In warmer climates plant in part shade to protect foliage from scorching.

    Can Atropurpureum grow in pots?

    Yes. Atropurpureum is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is widely used as a courtyard, balcony, or entrance feature.

    What is the difference between Atropurpureum and standard Japanese Maple?

    Standard Acer palmatum produces green spring foliage with red-orange autumn colour. Atropurpureum offers rich burgundy-purple foliage through the growing season, making it the choice for continuous colour rather than just autumn impact.

    Is Atropurpureum deciduous?

    Yes. Atropurpureum is fully deciduous. It drops its crimson autumn foliage in winter and produces new burgundy spring leaves.

    Compare sizes side by side

    Scroll to compare →

    30cm/33cm

    Approx. 1.6m – 2.5m

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 1.2m – 2.8m

    50cm/75L

    Enquire for current heights

    100L

    Approx. 2.2m – 2.7m

    150L

    Approx. 2.8m – 4.0m

    200L

    Enquire for current heights

    1500L

    Enquire for current heights

    2000L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ is loved for its finely lobed purple-red foliage that holds colour through summer before turning crimson in autumn, combined with its graceful branching and compact form.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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