Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Current Stock Height Guides
Current Stock Height Guides
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.
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About Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
About Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
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.
Distinguishing Features
Distinguishing Features
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is a great option for you if you:
Mature Height & Width
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).
Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)
Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)
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)
Trade Customers
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.
Shipping Cost
Shipping Cost
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.
There is no charge to calculate your freight.
VOLUME DISCOUNTS
Discounts Apply Automatically at Checkout
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About Your New Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
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.
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To Pair With Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
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Type: Structural Foliage
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Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffet'
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Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
Type: Australian Native
Viburnum tinus
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple works in an:
Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple Evergreen or Deciduous?
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 & 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).
Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30 – 45 cm per year (slow to moderate).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
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?
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?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Red
Is Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple an Australian Native Tree?
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 ?
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?
How much Sunlight does Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple need?
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
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?
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.
Planting Information
How To Plant Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
How To Plant Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30 – 45 cm per year (slow to moderate).
Long Term Care For Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Long Term Care For Your Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
