Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
Most loved for its finely dissected green foliage that cascades gracefully, turning golden-yellow to orange in autumn, paired with a soft weeping habit.
Regular price
$880.00
Sale price
$880.00
Regular price
Tax included.
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
- Current height guide
- Please enquire
- Pot size
- 100L
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
Couldn't load pickup availability
About this tree
About this tree
- Mature height
- 2m to 3m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' is a compact weeping Japanese maple with a low cascading canopy of finely dissected green foliage. The flowing dome-like form gives it a soft sculptural presence year-round, turning brilliant gold and crimson in autumn.
Acer 'Waterfall' grows to 2-3 metres tall and 2.5-3.5 metres wide, with branches that cascade downward in flowing layers. The graceful low habit makes it ideal for tranquil garden corners, understorey planting, and Japanese-style designs, and it performs well in large containers and shaded courtyards where strong visual impact is wanted without height.
Acer 'Waterfall' 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 the delicate dissected foliage, in well-drained soil with consistent moisture during dry spells.
Waterfall or Inaba Shidare? Both are weeping dissectum (laceleaf) Japanese Maples. Waterfall has green foliage that turns gold and crimson in autumn. Inaba Shidare holds burgundy-red foliage through the growing season. Choose Waterfall for green-to-gold autumn colour, or Inaba Shidare for continuous burgundy.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
How tall does Acer 'Waterfall' grow?
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' grows to 2-3 metres tall and 2.5-3.5 metres wide with a graceful cascading weeping form.
How fast does Acer 'Waterfall' grow?
Acer 'Waterfall' is slow-growing, adding 15-25cm per year. Its mature cascading umbrella shape develops over many years.
What does Acer 'Waterfall' look like?
Acer 'Waterfall' has finely dissected green laceleaf foliage that cascades downward in flowing layers, turning brilliant gold and crimson in autumn before dropping for winter.
What is the difference between Acer 'Waterfall' and 'Inaba Shidare'?
Both are weeping dissectum (laceleaf) Japanese maples. 'Waterfall' has green foliage that turns gold and crimson in autumn, while 'Inaba Shidare' has burgundy-red foliage year-round. Choose 'Waterfall' for green-to-gold autumn colour or 'Inaba Shidare' for continuous burgundy.
Where in Australia does Acer 'Waterfall' grow best?
Acer 'Waterfall' 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 the delicate foliage.
Can Acer 'Waterfall' grow in pots?
Yes. Acer 'Waterfall' is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is widely used as a courtyard, balcony, or Japanese garden feature.
Is Acer 'Waterfall' deciduous?
Yes. Acer 'Waterfall' is fully deciduous, dropping its golden autumn foliage in winter and producing fresh green laceleaf foliage in spring.
Mature height & width
Mature height & width
- Mature height
- 2m to 3m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Pot sizes & dimensions
Pot sizes & dimensions
| Pot / bag size | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 30cm Pot | 33cm | 30cm |
| 40cm/45L Pot | 44cm | 41.5cm |
| 50cm Pot / 70L Pot | 55cm | 41.8cm |
| 100L Bag | 50.6cm | 52.8cm |
| 150L Bag | 66cm | 55cm |
| 200L Bag | 71.5cm | 60.5cm |
| 300L Bag | 88cm | 63.8cm |
| 400L Bag | 99cm | 66cm |
| 500L Bag | 122cm | 66cm |
| 750L Bag | 134cm | 69cm |
| 1000L Bag | 146.3cm | 71.5cm |
| 2000L Bag | 176cm | 82.5cm |
General planting reference from our existing size guide. Actual containers can vary by supplier and batch; confirm exact dimensions if required.
Delivery & pickup
Delivery & pickup
Trade enquiries
Trade enquiries
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.
Freight estimate
Based on the items currently in your cart.
Final delivery cost is confirmed at checkout using your full address.
Not sure how many trees you need?
Plan your hedge
Enter the length of your boundary, then choose how closely you want to plant.
Enter your boundary length to see how many trees you need.
Measure only the boundary you intend to plant—exclude gates and gaps. Spacing is centre to centre. Quantities are rounded up for one row, allowing roughly half the spacing at each end. Site conditions and pruning affect the final hedge.
About Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Waterfall’
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' is a compact weeping Japanese maple with a low cascading canopy of finely dissected green foliage. The flowing dome-like form gives it a soft sculptural presence year-round, turning brilliant gold and crimson in autumn.
Acer 'Waterfall' grows to 2-3 metres tall and 2.5-3.5 metres wide, with branches that cascade downward in flowing layers. The graceful low habit makes it ideal for tranquil garden corners, understorey planting, and Japanese-style designs, and it performs well in large containers and shaded courtyards where strong visual impact is wanted without height.
Acer 'Waterfall' 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 the delicate dissected foliage, in well-drained soil with consistent moisture during dry spells.
Waterfall or Inaba Shidare? Both are weeping dissectum (laceleaf) Japanese Maples. Waterfall has green foliage that turns gold and crimson in autumn. Inaba Shidare holds burgundy-red foliage through the growing season. Choose Waterfall for green-to-gold autumn colour, or Inaba Shidare for continuous burgundy.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
How tall does Acer 'Waterfall' grow?
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' grows to 2-3 metres tall and 2.5-3.5 metres wide with a graceful cascading weeping form.
How fast does Acer 'Waterfall' grow?
Acer 'Waterfall' is slow-growing, adding 15-25cm per year. Its mature cascading umbrella shape develops over many years.
What does Acer 'Waterfall' look like?
Acer 'Waterfall' has finely dissected green laceleaf foliage that cascades downward in flowing layers, turning brilliant gold and crimson in autumn before dropping for winter.
What is the difference between Acer 'Waterfall' and 'Inaba Shidare'?
Both are weeping dissectum (laceleaf) Japanese maples. 'Waterfall' has green foliage that turns gold and crimson in autumn, while 'Inaba Shidare' has burgundy-red foliage year-round. Choose 'Waterfall' for green-to-gold autumn colour or 'Inaba Shidare' for continuous burgundy.
Where in Australia does Acer 'Waterfall' grow best?
Acer 'Waterfall' 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 the delicate foliage.
Can Acer 'Waterfall' grow in pots?
Yes. Acer 'Waterfall' is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is widely used as a courtyard, balcony, or Japanese garden feature.
Is Acer 'Waterfall' deciduous?
Yes. Acer 'Waterfall' is fully deciduous, dropping its golden autumn foliage in winter and producing fresh green laceleaf foliage in spring.
- Foliage
Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
- Position
- Form
- Use
- Mature height
- 2m to 3m
- Mature width
- 2m to 3m
Planting Information
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple is expected to grow 20cm to 35cm per year (slow to moderate).
Long Term Care For Your Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
Planting Your Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple in Different Soil
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple works in an:
Is Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple Evergreen or Deciduous?
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 2m to 3m
Mature Width: 2m to 3m
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple is expected to grow 20cm to 35cm per year (slow to moderate).
Growth Rate of Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple is expected to grow 20cm to 35cm per year (slow to moderate).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
Is Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple frost tolerant?
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.
Does Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple Flower?
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Waterfall’ produces small clusters of red spring flowers that emerge just before the finely dissected foliage. Though understated, these early blooms provide pollen for beneficial insects and signal the beginning of its lush seasonal growth.
Does Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Red
Is Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple an Australian Native Tree?
No
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple is Native to Japan, Korea, and China, where Acer palmatum grows naturally in forests and mountain slopes.
What is the Wildlife Value of Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple ?
Its cascading branches create sheltered spaces for small birds, while its spring flowers support native bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. The dense weeping canopy also forms a cool, shaded micro-habitat that enhances garden biodiversity.
How much Sunlight does Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple need?
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Waterfall’ 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 ground unless improved with organic matter to increase aeration and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then provide deep, occasional watering as the tree matures, especially during hot or windy weather to protect its delicate foliage.
Is Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple Drought Tolerant?
Is Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple Drought tolerant?
As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Acer ‘Waterfall’ develops low to moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in a sheltered position away from hot, dry winds and benefits from deep, occasional watering during extended heat to maintain leaf health and its graceful weeping form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does Acer 'Waterfall' grow?
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' grows to 2-3 metres tall and 2.5-3.5 metres wide with a graceful cascading weeping form.
How fast does Acer 'Waterfall' grow?
Acer 'Waterfall' is slow-growing, adding 15-25cm per year. Its mature cascading umbrella shape develops over many years.
What does Acer 'Waterfall' look like?
Acer 'Waterfall' has finely dissected green laceleaf foliage that cascades downward in flowing layers, turning brilliant gold and crimson in autumn before dropping for winter.
What is the difference between Acer 'Waterfall' and 'Inaba Shidare'?
Both are weeping dissectum (laceleaf) Japanese maples. 'Waterfall' has green foliage that turns gold and crimson in autumn, while 'Inaba Shidare' has burgundy-red foliage year-round. Choose 'Waterfall' for green-to-gold autumn colour or 'Inaba Shidare' for continuous burgundy.
Where in Australia does Acer 'Waterfall' grow best?
Acer 'Waterfall' 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 the delicate foliage.
Can Acer 'Waterfall' grow in pots?
Yes. Acer 'Waterfall' is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is widely used as a courtyard, balcony, or Japanese garden feature.
Is Acer 'Waterfall' deciduous?
Yes. Acer 'Waterfall' is fully deciduous, dropping its golden autumn foliage in winter and producing fresh green laceleaf foliage in spring.
Compare sizes side by side
30cm/33cm
Enquire for current heights
40cm/45L
Enquire for current heights
100L
Enquire for current heights
Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Waterfall’ is loved for its finely dissected green foliage that cascades gracefully, turning golden-yellow to orange in autumn, paired with a soft weeping habit.
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 dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping 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.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
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.
Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus microphylla var. japonica, sold as Japanese Box, is a dense evergreen shrub clipped here into clean topiary balls. The small, rounded, mid green leaves sit tightly along short stems, so the surface holds a crisp edge after cutting. Growth is naturally compact, which is what allows the ball shape to hold between trims.
It grows in full sun to part shade and accepts most soils that drain, from sandy loam through to improved clay. Cool temperate, temperate and subtropical districts all suit it, and established plants handle light to moderate frost. Growth runs about 15 to 25 centimetres a year, slow enough that the shape stays where you put it.
Balls are used to edge beds and paths, mark an entry, sit either side of a doorway, or repeat down a courtyard to give a planting rhythm. They also underplant feature trees neatly. Because the form arrives already grown, a bed reads finished from the day it goes in rather than years later.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Japanese Box Topiary Balls
What is a Japanese Box topiary ball?
It is Buxus microphylla var. japonica grown on and clipped into a sphere. The plant does the same job as any box shrub, evergreen, small leaved and tolerant of cutting, but it arrives already shaped. Ball diameters run from around 30 centimetres up to large advanced specimens, and the shape is then held with two trims a year.
How big do Japanese Box topiary balls get?
The ball is held at whatever diameter it is clipped to, commonly 30 to 70 centimetres, with larger specimens available in bigger containers. In the ground, overall height sits close to the ball diameter. Left entirely unclipped the species would slowly reach roughly 1.5 to 2 metres tall and wide over many years.
How fast does Japanese Box grow?
About 15 to 25 centimetres a year, which is slow to moderate. That pace is an advantage in topiary because the outline drifts gradually rather than running away between cuts. Two trims a year, one in early spring and one in late summer, are usually enough to keep the surface tight and the profile even.
Does it need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest, tightest surface, which matters when the appeal of the plant is a clean clipped edge. In hot inland gardens some afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch and bronzing. Deep shade thins the growth out and the ball loses its crisp outline.
Is Japanese Box frost tolerant?
Yes. Established plants handle light to moderate frost without damage, which covers most temperate and cool temperate gardens including Canberra, Melbourne and the southern tablelands. Newly planted stock is more exposed, so water it well going into winter and mulch the root zone. Any frost burnt tips can simply be trimmed off in spring.
Can Japanese Box topiary balls grow in pots?
Yes, they are one of the better plants for a container. A pot 40 to 50 centimetres wide suits a single ball for a courtyard, entry or balcony. Use a quality potting mix, water once the top few centimetres dry out, and feed in spring and again in summer. Repot or refresh the mix every few years.
How do I care for Japanese Box topiary balls?
Trim twice a year with sharp shears, cutting lightly and often rather than hard. Feed in early spring with a slow release fertiliser and keep water up through summer. Mulch to about 50 millimetres, keeping it clear of the stem. Watch for box psyllid on soft new growth and treat early if the tips start to cup.
Buxus japonica Japanese Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls are pre-clipped formal evergreen specimens, available in three mature sizes and ready to place. The tight, fine, dark green foliage holds a precise rounded form year-round and gives the classic formal topiary look that no other Buxus replicates. As one of our most consistently strong-selling products, our English Box topiary balls are well-shaped, well-rooted, and arrive in proportion to the pot size.
English Box performs best in cool to temperate climates and is slow growing at around 15 to 25 cm per year in good conditions, which is exactly why it holds sharp formal shapes so well. It thrives in full sun to part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil, and is frost hardy, drought tolerant once established, and excellent in containers. Two light clips per year, in spring and again in late summer, keep the ball form crisp.
Use them flanking entrances, lining formal pathways, anchoring symmetrical garden beds, defining parterre and knot gardens, and in pairs in classic urns and decorative pots at front doors. Buxus sempervirens is the original topiary plant and remains the benchmark for traditional and contemporary formal design, with a level of finesse and density that fast-growing alternatives cannot replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
What size are the English Box topiary balls when they arrive?
Our English Box topiary balls arrive pre-clipped and ready to place at the size you order. The 30cm/33cm pots have ball diameters of approximately 30 to 45 cm, the 40cm/45L pots have ball diameters of 40 to 55 cm, and the 50cm/75L pots have ball diameters of 50 to 70 cm. They are well-rooted and in proportion to the pot.
How fast does Buxus sempervirens grow?
English Box is slow-growing, adding approximately 15 to 25 cm per year once established in good conditions. This slow growth rate is one of the reasons it holds sharp formal shapes so well, and why mature pre-clipped specimens command a premium over seedling-grown stock.
What is the difference between English Box, Japanese Box, and Shaggy Box?
English Box (Buxus sempervirens) has the smallest, finest leaves and the tightest formal texture, ideal for traditional parterres and clipped balls. Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla japonica) has slightly larger leaves, grows faster, and handles heat better. Shaggy Box (Buxus bodinieri) has soft, rounded leaves, much better blight resistance, and is the best choice for humid subtropical climates where English Box can struggle.
Where does English Box grow best in Australia?
English Box performs best in cool to temperate regions including Victoria, the ACT, the NSW Southern Highlands and Central Tablelands, Tasmania, and the elevated parts of South Australia and Western Australia. In humid coastal or hot subtropical regions, consider Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box or Japanese Box instead for better long-term performance.
How do I prune English Box topiary balls?
Lightly clip in spring and again in late summer or early autumn to maintain the ball shape. Avoid pruning in the heat of summer or during frost periods. Use sharp shears for the cleanest formal finish, and step back regularly to check the symmetry of the form.
Can English Box grow in pots?
Yes. English Box is the classic potted topiary plant and pre-clipped balls look particularly striking in pairs at entrances and on terraces. Use a minimum 30L pot for the 30cm/33cm size and scale up from there, with a quality potting mix and a slow-release fertiliser applied twice yearly.
Is English Box susceptible to disease?
English Box can be affected by box blight, particularly in humid conditions where foliage stays wet. To reduce risk, ensure good air circulation around each plant, avoid overhead watering, and prune to maintain airflow through the canopy. In high-humidity regions, Buxus bodinieri Shaggy Box is a more disease-resistant alternative.
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl' is one of the best compact evergreen shrubs available for low hedges and borders. The glossy dark green foliage forms a naturally tidy rounded mound, and clusters of soft white to pale pink flowers appear from late winter into spring, followed by small dark berries.
Oriental Pearl grows to just 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, holding a neat uniform shape with minimal pruning. The compact form makes it ideal for low clipped hedges, narrow borders, mass plantings, and container planting, particularly where space is limited and a formal finish is wanted.
Oriental Pearl thrives across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, coastal exposure, salt spray, light frost, and a wide range of well-drained soils. It is both drought tolerant and salt tolerant once established, making it a reliable low-maintenance choice for coastal and low-water gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
How tall does Oriental Pearl Rhaphiolepis grow?
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl' grows to 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, forming a naturally compact dense mound.
How fast does Oriental Pearl grow?
Oriental Pearl has a moderate growth rate of 20-40cm per year once established.
Is Oriental Pearl good for low hedges?
Yes. Oriental Pearl is one of the best compact evergreen shrubs for low hedges, borders, and mass plantings, holding a tidy rounded form with minimal pruning.
When does Oriental Pearl flower?
Oriental Pearl produces clusters of soft white to pale pink flowers from late winter into spring, followed by small dark berries.
Is Oriental Pearl drought and salt tolerant?
Yes. Oriental Pearl is both drought tolerant and salt tolerant once established, making it well suited to coastal gardens and low-water landscapes.
How far apart should I plant Oriental Pearl for a low hedge?
Plant 50-70cm apart for a continuous low hedge, or 80cm-1 metre for a softer informal border.
Where does Oriental Pearl grow best in Australia?
Oriental Pearl thrives across most Australian climates in full sun to part shade, tolerating heat, coastal exposure, and a wide range of well-drained soils.
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffet'
Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffet'
Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffet' forms a naturally tidy dome of glossy dark green foliage without ever needing to be clipped into shape, and carries clusters of intensely fragrant creamy-white flowers through spring. It is the low structural plant that does the work of a clipped hedge with none of the trimming.
'Miss Muffet' grows to just 0.5 to 1 metre tall and around 1.5 metres wide at 20 to 40 centimetres per year, holding density right to ground level. That compact scale suits low borders along paths and driveways, underplanting beneath feature trees, and mass planting in courtyards and civic beds.
'Miss Muffet' grows in full sun to part shade, tolerates light to moderate frost once established, and copes with coastal exposure and extended dry. It performs well in pots, and maintenance is limited to removing the occasional wayward shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffet'
How big does Pittosporum 'Miss Muffet' grow?
'Miss Muffet' grows to 0.5 to 1 metre tall and around 1.5 metres wide, forming a naturally rounded dome. It is a true dwarf and will not need cutting back to stay low.
Does 'Miss Muffet' need pruning?
No. It holds a tidy rounded shape naturally. An occasional trim to remove a wayward shoot is all that is required, which is its main advantage over clipped alternatives.
When does 'Miss Muffet' flower and is it fragrant?
Clusters of creamy-white flowers appear through spring and are strongly fragrant, with a scent often compared to orange blossom.
Can 'Miss Muffet' be used as a low hedge?
Yes. Plant 0.8 to 1 metre apart for a continuous low evergreen border. Because it is naturally dense and low, it forms a hedge line without formal clipping.
Does 'Miss Muffet' grow in shade?
Yes. It performs in full sun through to part shade, which makes it useful for underplanting beneath established canopy trees where light is limited.
Is 'Miss Muffet' suitable for coastal gardens?
Yes. Pittosporum tobira tolerates salt-laden wind and sandy soils well, and 'Miss Muffet' is widely used in coastal courtyard and foreshore plantings.
Can 'Miss Muffet' be grown in pots?
Yes. Its compact rounded habit makes it an excellent pot plant for entries, balconies and courtyards. Use a free-draining mix and water regularly through summer.
Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffet'
Viburnum tinus
Viburnum tinus
Viburnum tinus flowers through winter and into spring, when almost nothing else is in bloom, opening tight pink buds into flat clusters of white flowers that are followed by metallic blue-black berries. It is one of very few hedging plants that earns its place in the colder months.
Viburnum tinus grows to 2 to 4 metres tall and 2.5 to 4 metres wide at 30 to 50 centimetres per year, forming a dense evergreen mass right to ground level. It clips cleanly into a formal hedge, holds well as an informal screen, and is equally useful as a large-scale groundcover mass on banks.
This is one of the most forgiving hedging plants available, growing in full sun through to part shade and tolerating light to moderate frost once established. It performs from subtropical Queensland through Sydney, the tablelands, Melbourne, Gippsland, the Western District and Adelaide.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Viburnum tinus
How tall does Viburnum tinus grow?
Viburnum tinus grows to 2 to 4 metres tall and 2.5 to 4 metres wide. It is most often held at 1.5 to 2.5 metres as a clipped hedge and holds density right down to ground level.
When does Viburnum tinus flower?
Flowering runs through winter and into spring. Tight pink buds open to flat clusters of white flowers, followed by metallic blue-black berries that persist and attract birds.
Does Viburnum tinus grow in shade?
Yes. It is one of the better hedging plants for shaded positions, performing in full sun through to part shade. In deeper shade growth is more open but the plant stays healthy.
How far apart should I plant Viburnum tinus for a hedge?
Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tight formal hedge. For a groundcover mass on a bank, 1 metre apart works well.
Is Viburnum tinus frost tolerant?
Yes. It handles light to moderate frost once established and performs in cool tablelands districts, though young plants benefit from protection through their first winter.
How fast does Viburnum tinus grow?
It grows at a moderate 30 to 50 centimetres per year, which makes it easy to keep at a set height without constant trimming, unlike faster screening plants.
When should I prune Viburnum tinus?
Prune straight after the main flowering finishes in spring. This preserves the following winter's flower buds while giving the plant a full growing season to fill back out.
Viburnum tinus
Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii 'Sublime' is a compact evergreen lilly pilly with vivid lime-green new growth that matures to deep glossy green. Its naturally upright columnar habit delivers dense coverage from base to tip, making it one of the cleanest, lowest-maintenance screening plants available.
Sublime grows to around 5 metres tall and just 2-3 metres wide, holding a tight column with minimal pruning. The narrow form suits tight boundary lines, pool surrounds, and structured hedges. A non-invasive root system and strong psyllid resistance make it a reliable, well-behaved alternative to more vigorous screening species.
Sublime tolerates clay soils, light frost, and moderate drought once established. It thrives across temperate to subtropical regions of NSW, QLD, VIC and parts of SA and WA, in full sun to part shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
How tall does Sublime Lilly Pilly grow?
Sublime grows to around 5 metres tall and just 2-3 metres wide, with a naturally upright columnar form.
How fast does Sublime grow?
Sublime is fast-growing, adding 50-80cm per year once established.
Is Sublime psyllid resistant?
Yes. Acmena smithii 'Sublime' has strong psyllid resistance, so it holds clean, unblemished foliage where older lilly pilly types can suffer pimple-like leaf damage.
Is Sublime good for hedging and screening?
Yes. The dense columnar habit makes Sublime ideal for narrow hedges, screens, and pool surrounds where clean form is needed.
Are Sublime roots invasive?
No. Sublime has a non-invasive root system, making it a safer choice near paving, pools, and boundaries than more vigorous screening species.
How far apart should I plant Sublime for a hedge?
Plant 60-80cm apart for a dense formal hedge, or 1 metre for a more relaxed screen.
Where does Sublime grow best in Australia?
Sublime thrives across temperate to subtropical regions of NSW, QLD, VIC and parts of SA and WA, tolerating clay soils, light frost, and moderate drought once established.
Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Balls' is Star Jasmine grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere. The small glossy leaves sit tight on a woody framework, holding a clean rounded outline year round. White pinwheel flowers open in spring and carry a strong sweet scent right across a courtyard.
Ball specimens hold at about 1 to 1.5 metres tall and wide with light clipping. Full sun to part shade suits them, in any free draining soil. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year. They handle coastal exposure, light frost and dry spells once the roots are down.
Repeat them along a driveway, either side of an entry, or in pots on a terrace where a formal shape is wanted straight away. They read as structure in a planting scheme without the height of a hedge, and because the form is already trained, a new garden looks settled from the day it goes in.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Star Jasmine Balls
What are Star Jasmine Balls?
They are Trachelospermum jasminoides, the common Star Jasmine, grown and clipped into a dense evergreen sphere on a woody framework. Instead of climbing, the plant is trained into a self supporting rounded shape. The foliage is small, glossy and dark green, and the plant carries scented white flowers through spring.
How big do Star Jasmine Balls grow?
They hold at roughly 1 to 1.5 metres tall and 1 to 1.5 metres wide. Growth is slow to moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year, so a light clip once or twice a year keeps the ball tight at whatever size within that range suits the setting.
Do Star Jasmine Balls need sun or shade?
Full sun to part shade both work. Full sun gives the densest foliage and the heaviest flowering, while part shade produces slightly softer, more open growth and fewer flowers. Avoid deep shade, where the ball thins out and loses its outline. Morning sun with afternoon protection suits hot inland gardens.
Can Star Jasmine Balls be grown in pots?
Yes, and pots are one of the main uses. A container 50 to 60 centimetres wide with a quality free draining mix will hold a ball for years. Water more often than you would in the ground, especially in summer, and feed in spring and again in late summer. Refresh the mix every few years.
Are Star Jasmine Balls evergreen?
Yes, the foliage is held year round. The glossy dark green leaves take on a bronze tinge in cold weather and green up again in spring, but the plant never goes bare. That is what makes it useful as permanent structure in a scheme, particularly in winter once perennials have died back.
When do Star Jasmine Balls flower?
Flowering runs through spring, roughly September to November, and often carries into early summer in warmer districts. The white pinwheel flowers are small but produced in quantity, and the scent is strong on still evenings. Flowering is heaviest on plants in full sun that were not clipped hard just before bud set.
How do I prune and care for Star Jasmine Balls?
Clip lightly with hedging shears once after flowering and again in late summer if needed, taking only the new growth to keep the outline crisp. Water deeply in dry weather, mulch the base, and feed in early spring. The sap is milky and can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Trachelospermum jasminoides Balls – Star Jasmine Balls
Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:
Perfect Substitutes for Acer palmatum dissectum 'Waterfall' Weeping Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
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.
Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum' Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' Coral Bark Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' Coral Bark Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku', the Coral Bark Maple, is grown for one of the most spectacular winter features of any tree: bright coral-red stems that intensify to a glowing scarlet through the coldest months, set ablaze when bare against a winter sky.
Sango Kaku grows to 5-7 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with an upright form. Soft green finely lobed foliage provides fresh contrast through spring and summer, then turns golden-yellow with red tones in autumn before dropping to reveal the coral bark. The result is a genuine four-season feature tree.
Sango Kaku 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 the foliage. The coral bark colour is strongest on young stems and most vivid in cold winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' Coral Bark Japanese Maple
How tall does Sango Kaku grow?
Sango Kaku grows to 5-7 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with an upright form.
How fast does Sango Kaku grow?
Sango Kaku has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.
Why is it called Coral Bark Maple?
The young stems are a striking coral-red, and the colour intensifies to glowing scarlet through winter. The bark is the tree's signature feature, most visible once the leaves drop.
When does Sango Kaku turn colour?
The green summer foliage turns golden-yellow with red tones in autumn (May to June across southern Australia) before dropping to reveal the coral bark for winter.
Where in Australia does Sango Kaku grow best?
Sango Kaku performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW Southern Highlands, ACT, Tasmania, and elevated parts of SA and WA. The coral bark is most vivid in cold winters.
Can Sango Kaku grow in pots?
Yes. Sango Kaku is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is widely used as a courtyard, balcony, or entrance feature where the winter bark can be appreciated.
Is Sango Kaku deciduous?
Yes. Sango Kaku is fully deciduous. It drops its golden autumn foliage in winter, which is when the coral bark display is at its best.
Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' Coral Bark Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Seiryu' Upright Laceleaf Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Seiryu' Upright Laceleaf Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Seiryu' is the only commonly grown upright laceleaf Japanese Maple. Where most dissectum cultivars cascade downward, Seiryu grows upward on a sculptural vase-shaped frame, carrying finely dissected green foliage that turns vivid orange, red and gold in autumn.
Seiryu grows slowly to 3-4 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide. The upright compact form makes it unusually versatile for a laceleaf maple, suiting courtyards, layered garden borders, Japanese-style designs, and large feature pots where height is wanted without sacrificing the delicacy of dissected foliage.
Seiryu 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 the delicate dissected foliage from scorching, in well-drained soil with consistent moisture during dry spells.
Seiryu or Inaba Shidare? Both are dissectum (laceleaf) Japanese Maples with finely cut foliage. Seiryu is the only commonly grown upright laceleaf, with green spring foliage turning vivid red and gold in autumn. Inaba Shidare has a cascading weeping habit with burgundy-red foliage that intensifies in autumn. Choose Seiryu for upright height, or Inaba Shidare for cascading colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acer palmatum dissectum 'Seiryu' Upright Laceleaf Japanese Maple
How tall does Seiryu grow?
Seiryu grows to 3-4 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide with an upright vase-shaped form, unusual for a laceleaf maple.
How fast does Seiryu grow?
Seiryu is slow-growing, adding 15-25cm per year once established.
What makes Seiryu different from other dissectum maples?
Seiryu is the only commonly grown upright laceleaf Japanese maple. Most dissectum cultivars (like Inaba Shidare) cascade downward, but Seiryu grows upright with finely dissected green foliage and a sculptural vase-shaped form.
When does Seiryu turn colour?
Bright green spring and summer foliage transitions to vivid orange, red, and gold in autumn (May to June across southern Australia).
Where in Australia does Seiryu grow best?
Seiryu 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 the delicate dissected foliage.
Can Seiryu grow in pots?
Yes. Seiryu is excellent in large pots (60L+) thanks to its upright compact form, making it a popular courtyard, balcony, and feature pot specimen.
What is the difference between Seiryu and Inaba Shidare?
Both are dissectum (laceleaf) Japanese maples. Seiryu is upright with green spring foliage turning red and gold in autumn, while Inaba Shidare has a cascading weeping habit with burgundy-red foliage year-round. Choose Seiryu for upright height or Inaba Shidare for cascading colour.
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Seiryu' Upright Laceleaf Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is widely regarded as one of the finest autumn-colour Japanese Maples ever selected. Bright green summer foliage transitions to a brilliant scarlet-crimson in autumn that is rapid, intense, and often outshines every other Acer palmatum cultivar in the garden.
Osakazuki grows to 5-6 metres tall and 4-5 metres wide with a rounded upright canopy. The moderate size and well-structured habit suit residential gardens, courtyards, Japanese-style landscapes, large pots, and bonsai work, where the autumn display becomes a striking seasonal focal point.
Osakazuki 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 the foliage from scorching, in well-drained soil with consistent moisture during dry spells.
Osakazuki or Atropurpureum? Both are upright Acer palmatum cultivars. Osakazuki has bright green summer foliage that transitions to famously brilliant scarlet in autumn. Atropurpureum holds deep burgundy-purple foliage through the whole growing season. Choose Osakazuki for explosive autumn impact, or Atropurpureum for continuous purple foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' Japanese Maple
How tall does Osakazuki grow?
Osakazuki grows to 5-6 metres tall and 4-5 metres wide with a rounded upright canopy form.
How fast does Osakazuki grow?
Osakazuki has a moderate growth rate of 30-50cm per year once established.
Why is Osakazuki famous?
Osakazuki is widely regarded as one of the finest autumn-colour Japanese maples, with foliage turning to brilliant scarlet-crimson that often outshines other Acer palmatum cultivars. It is considered a classic choice for autumn impact.
When does Osakazuki turn colour?
Bright green summer foliage transitions to vivid scarlet-crimson in autumn (May to June across southern Australia). The colour shift is rapid and intense, holding for several weeks before leaves drop.
Where in Australia does Osakazuki grow best?
Osakazuki 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 the foliage from scorching.
Can Osakazuki grow in pots?
Yes. Osakazuki is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is widely used as a courtyard, balcony or entrance feature.
What is the difference between Osakazuki and Atropurpureum?
Both are upright Japanese maples. Osakazuki has bright green summer foliage and famously brilliant scarlet autumn colour. Atropurpureum holds deep burgundy-purple foliage through the whole growing season. Choose Osakazuki for explosive autumn impact or Atropurpureum for continuous purple foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' Japanese Maple
Follow Us On Instagram
@evergreentreesdirect ↗
Tips & Tricks
Best Trees for Creating a Privacy Screen: 10 Picks Across Fast Formal, Native and Narrow Column Options
Read the story
How to Incorporate Trees into Your Modern Landscape Design
Read the story
The Importance of Root Health: How to Choose Quality Trees
Read the story
