Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' - Japanese Maple - Evergreen Trees Direct

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' - Japanese Maple

Name: Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' - Japanese Maple
Brand: Evergreen Trees Direct
SKU: ACEPALATR40cm/45L
Price: 1300.00 AUD
Availability: InStock

$350.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

2049 in stock

Size: 40cm/45L

200L 100L 40cm/45L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.2m – 1.6m Approx.
100L: 1.5m – 2.8m Approx.
200L: Enquire within for height guide information.

Trade Customers

We supply advanced trees to landscapers, developers, architects, and councils Australia-wide. Trade clients receive fast quotes, expert advice, and access to premium stock with reliable freight.

About Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' – Japanese Maple is a compact, deciduous tree with finely lobed purple-red foliage and a rounded, spreading canopy. Leaves emerge burgundy in spring, deepen in summer, and shift to crimson in autumn, offering strong seasonal contrast in small to medium landscapes.

They look excellent in Japanese-style gardens, courtyards, or as a feature in decorative pots where rich foliage colour and refined form are key. Compared to standard Acer palmatum, this cultivar holds deeper colour longer and delivers a more dramatic autumn display.

Well-suited to ornamental spaces requiring structure, colour, and compact scale without sacrificing visual impact.

Key Information to Know

Evergreen / Deciduous

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 4 m – 6 m

Mature Width: 4 m – 5 m

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

Frost Tolerance

Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' - Japanese Maple frost tolerant?

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

Flowering Information

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.

Native Information

Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' - Japanese Maple an Australian Native? 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.

Wildlife Value

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.

Sunlight Information

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

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preffered 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.

Botanical Information

Common Name: Atropurpureum Japanese Maple

Genus: Acer

Botanical Species: palmatum

Family: Sapindaceae

Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’

Landscape Uses

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.

Planting, Spacing & Care

How to Plant Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'

Location Choice: A spot with dappled sunlight is ideal, ensuring protection from harsh afternoon rays.
Soil Enrichment: Amend the soil with organic matter to boost its fertility and drainage capabilities.
Hole Specifications: Prepare a hole roughly twice the size of the tree's root ball.
Positioning: Gently place the Japanese Maple in the hole, refill with soil, and press gently.
Water Generously: After planting, water the tree adequately to encourage root establishment.

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable for hedging.

Feature Tree: Plant 2 m – 3 m apart to showcase its elegant branching and foliage.

Avenue Planting Trees: Not typically used for avenue planting.

Caring for Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'

Watering: Regular watering ensures the soil remains moist, especially during dry periods.
Pruning: Winter or early spring is the ideal time for light pruning, focusing on dead or overcrowded branches.
Mulching: Using organic mulch aids in moisture retention and temperature regulation.
Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-resistant, but occasionally monitor for aphids or scale.

Optimizing Soil Conditions for Vibrant Foliage

The Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' is renowned for its stunning purple-red leaves that add dramatic color to any garden. Here’s how to ensure it thrives in various soil conditions:

Ideal Drainage: Prefers well-draining soil that prevents water accumulation around the roots.

Well-Draining Soil: Naturally ideal, supporting vibrant growth and color. Enhance with organic mulch to maintain moisture and add nutrients slowly.

Sandy Soil: Though quick to drain, it lacks essential nutrients. Optimize by incorporating a rich organic compost and peat moss to enhance moisture and nutrient retention.

Clay Soil: Dense and slow draining, optimize by amending with gypsum to break down the clay particles, and add plenty of organic matter to improve structure and drainage.

Loamy Soil: An excellent environment for 'Atropurpureum', providing balanced drainage and nutrient retention. Top-dress with compost annually to keep it fertile.

Peaty Soil: Naturally rich but may retain too much moisture. Ensure good drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand, and consider a raised bed for optimal growth conditions.

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

Medium Growth Rate

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) For Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Ideal Conditions

Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
Sydney & Central Coast
South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
Adelaide Metro & Coastal
Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Thrives in

Full Sun
Part Shade

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Drought Tolerance

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.

Flowering Information

Does Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' - Japanese Maple flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Red

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is this tree suitable for hedging or screening?
A. No, Japanese Maple is best used as a feature tree or ornamental accent due to its form and structure.

Q. How fast does Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ grow?
A. It grows slowly to moderately, averaging 30 – 45 cm per year depending on conditions.

Q. What makes this variety stand out?
A. Its deeply lobed, purple-red foliage transitions to brilliant crimson in autumn, offering striking seasonal colour.

Q. Can it be grown in pots or containers?
A. Yes, it performs well in large containers and is also popular for bonsai and courtyard planting.

Q. What conditions does it prefer?
A. Partial shade is ideal; it tolerates full sun with protection from harsh afternoon heat. It prefers humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Q. Is it low maintenance?
A. Yes, it requires only light pruning to maintain form, along with consistent moisture — especially during warmer months.

Q. Does it tolerate tough climates or exposure?
A. It handles partial shade and urban conditions but is sensitive to strong winds and extreme heat.

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