Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple

Size: 500L
Sale price$1,900.00

Acer palmatum, commonly known as Japanese Maple, is a deciduous feature tree valued for its palmate leaves and vibrant autumn colour. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, it is one of our best-selling feature trees at Evergreen Trees Direct. It suits modern garden designs and works well in both pots for smaller gardens and as an avenue planting in larger landscapes.

This low-maintenance tree prefers slightly moist, fertile soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types. Despite the common belief that it only thrives in cooler climates, Japanese Maple performs well in warmer areas when protected from all-day direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

Mature height ranges from 4 to 8 metres, with a width of 3 to 6 metres. Its elegant form, seasonal colour, and versatility make it an ideal choice for feature planting in residential and landscape settings.

Please note, as living products, our trees naturally vary in size and appearance throughout the seasons. The photos on our website are provided as a helpful guide, but may not always reflect our current batches. We always aim to deliver stock as pictured, but some variation is to be expected. For up-to-date sizing, please refer to our current height guide. If you’d like to see photos of our current stock, just let us know—we’re happy to send them!

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About This Tree

Botanical Profile

Explore the essential characteristics and growth habits of this plant, curated to assist you in making an inspired and confident choice for your landscape.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height:

3 m – 6 m

Mature Width:

3 m – 6 m

Expected Growth Pear Year

30 – 60 cm per year (moderate)

  • Medium Growth Rate
Evergreen/ Deciduous

Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

Frost Tolerance

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Sunlight Tolerance
  • Full Sun
  • Part Shade
Form & Shape

Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple is considered:

  • Vase - Shaped
  • Broad
  • Rounded
  • Upright
Australian Native?

No

Flowering Information

Flower Colour: Red

Flower Type:

  • Not Applicable

Flowering Period

  • Spring
  • Summer
Foliage Type / Shape
  • Lobed

As Featured In

Here Is What Customers Like You Frequently Ask

FAQ

Q. Is this tree suitable for hedging or screening?
A. No, it is best used as a feature or understorey tree due to its branching structure and seasonal colour.

Q. How fast does Acer palmatum grow?
A. It grows moderately, at around 30 – 60 cm per year depending on climate and soil.

Q. What makes this Japanese Maple special?
A. It delivers year-round visual impact with vibrant autumn colour, sculptural winter form, and fine spring/summer foliage.

Q. Can it grow in a courtyard or small garden?
A. Yes, it’s an excellent choice for compact spaces due to its manageable height and elegant shape.

Q. What are its ideal growing conditions?
A. Prefers part shade, moist and well-drained slightly acidic soil, and protection from strong winds or hot afternoon sun.

Q. Does it require much maintenance?
A. No, it’s low-maintenance once established — only light pruning is needed for form.

Q. Is it frost tolerant?
A. Yes, it tolerates frost well and is suitable for cooler climates.

About

Planting Guide

Plant Spacing

Hedging & Screening: Not suitable for hedging.

Feature Tree: Plant 2 m – 3 m apart to enjoy form and seasonal colour.

Avenue Planting Trees: Not typically suited for formal avenues.

How to Plant Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple

How to Plant Acer palmatum

  1. Location Selection: Opt for an area with dappled sunlight and protection from harsh afternoon rays.
  2. Soil Preparation: Boost soil with organic compost to promote drainage and fertility.
  3. Digging the Hole: Excavate a hole roughly two times wider than the tree's root ball.
  4. Positioning the Tree: Carefully place the Japanese Maple into the hole, fill with soil, and gently tamp down.
  5. Watering: Generously water after planting to aid root establishment.

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)

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Evergreen Trees Direct is Australia's unrivaled supplier of the highest quality advanced tree stock. Our extensive supplier network allows us to provide a one-stop shop for all your landscaping needs, no matter how big or small the project. We pride ourselves on exceptional service, ensuring a seamless experience from selection to delivery. Trust us to bring your landscaping vision to life with the perfect trees for any outdoor space. With our unrivaled selection and commitment to service, Evergreen Trees Direct is the top choice for landscapers, property developers, and garden enthusiasts alike.

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