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Acer palmatum Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum Japanese Maple

Most loved for its finely lobed foliage that shifts from soft greens or burgundies in spring and summer to brilliant scarlet, orange, or gold tones in autumn.

Regular price $310.00
Sale price $310.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 40cm/45L
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
40cm/45L

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. 1.2m – 2.4m$170.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.0m – 2.6m$310.00
50cm/75LApprox. height: Approx. 1.5m – 3.0m$620.00
100LApprox. height: Approx. 1.7m – 2.6m$700.00
200LApprox. height: Approx. 2.6m – 4.3m$1,680.00
300LApprox. height: Approx. 2.3m – 3.5m$2,360.00
400LApprox. height: Approx. 2.4m – 3.5m$6,160.00
500LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$7,280.00
750LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$8,140.00

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

    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.

    Choosing your Japanese Maple. The standard Acer palmatum species is the versatile all-rounder, with classic palmate leaves that turn red and gold in autumn. If you want a specific look, consider its cultivars: 'Atropurpureum' for rich red-purple foliage all season, 'Osakazuki' for brilliant scarlet autumn colour, 'Seiryu' for an upright laceleaf form, or 'Inaba Shidare' for a cascading weeping laceleaf habit. All thrive in the same cool to temperate Australian climates.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Acer palmatum Japanese Maple

    How tall does Japanese Maple grow?

    The standard Acer palmatum species grows to 4-8 metres tall and 3-6 metres wide, with an elegant rounded canopy.

    How fast does Japanese Maple grow?

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

    Where in Australia does Japanese Maple grow best?

    Japanese Maple performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW Southern Highlands, Tasmania, ACT, and elevated parts of SA and WA. In warmer climates, plant in part shade to prevent leaf scorch.

    When does Japanese Maple turn red?

    Foliage shifts to vibrant red, orange, and gold in late autumn, typically May to June in southern Australia and April to May in NSW.

    Can Japanese Maple grow in pots?

    Yes. Japanese Maple is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is a popular choice for courtyards, balconies, and feature planting.

    Which Japanese Maple cultivar is right for me?

    This is the standard species, which produces green spring foliage transitioning to red and gold in autumn. For specific habits or colours, look at 'Atropurpureum' (rich red-purple foliage), 'Osakazuki' (brilliant scarlet autumn), 'Seiryu' (upright laceleaf), or 'Inaba Shidare' (cascading weeping laceleaf).

    How do I prune a Japanese Maple?

    Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Take out dead, crossing, or congested branches to open up the canopy and show off the layered branch structure. Keep cuts small and avoid heavy reductions, as Japanese Maple has a naturally elegant shape and responds poorly to hard pruning. Removing lower limbs on a young tree helps develop a clean trunk.

    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 8m
    Mature width
    3m to 6m
    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple — project image 1

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Acer palmatum 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 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 Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Acer palmatum 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 in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Acer palmatum 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.

    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple — project image 3

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

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

    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple works in an:

    • Japanese Inspired – serene balance of form, foliage, and flow.
    • Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Acer palmatum Japanese Maple Evergreen or Deciduous?

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

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 4m to 8m

    Mature Width: 3m to 6m

    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

    Growth Rate of Acer palmatum Japanese Maple

    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acer palmatum Japanese Maple

    Is Acer palmatum Japanese Maple frost tolerant?

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

    Does Acer palmatum Japanese Maple Flower?

    Acer palmatum produces small clusters of red spring flowers that appear just before or alongside the new leaves. While understated, these blooms provide early-season pollen for beneficial insects and mark the beginning of its fresh seasonal growth.

    Does Acer palmatum Japanese Maple flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    • Not Applicable

    Flower Colour:

    Red

    Is Acer palmatum Japanese Maple an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple is Native to Japan, Korea, and China, where Acer palmatum grows naturally in woodlands and on mountain slopes.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Acer palmatum Japanese Maple ?

    Its fine branching creates sheltered habitat for small birds, while its spring flowers support native bees and other beneficial insects. The dense canopy also forms a cool, humid microclimate that contributes positively to garden biodiversity.

    How much Sunlight does Acer palmatum Japanese Maple need?

    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

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

    Is Acer palmatum Japanese Maple Drought Tolerant?

    Is Acer palmatum Japanese Maple Drought tolerant?

    As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Acer palmatum has low to moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in sheltered positions away from hot, dry winds and benefits from deep, occasional watering during extended heat to protect leaf colour and canopy health.

    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple — project image 4

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How tall does Japanese Maple grow?

    The standard Acer palmatum species grows to 4-8 metres tall and 3-6 metres wide, with an elegant rounded canopy.

    How fast does Japanese Maple grow?

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

    Where in Australia does Japanese Maple grow best?

    Japanese Maple performs best in cool to temperate regions including VIC, NSW Southern Highlands, Tasmania, ACT, and elevated parts of SA and WA. In warmer climates, plant in part shade to prevent leaf scorch.

    When does Japanese Maple turn red?

    Foliage shifts to vibrant red, orange, and gold in late autumn, typically May to June in southern Australia and April to May in NSW.

    Can Japanese Maple grow in pots?

    Yes. Japanese Maple is excellent in large pots (60L+) and is a popular choice for courtyards, balconies, and feature planting.

    Which Japanese Maple cultivar is right for me?

    This is the standard species, which produces green spring foliage transitioning to red and gold in autumn. For specific habits or colours, look at 'Atropurpureum' (rich red-purple foliage), 'Osakazuki' (brilliant scarlet autumn), 'Seiryu' (upright laceleaf), or 'Inaba Shidare' (cascading weeping laceleaf).

    Acer palmatum Japanese Maple — project image 5

    Compare sizes side by side

    Scroll to compare →

    30cm/33cm

    Approx. 1.2m – 2.4m

    40cm/45L

    Approx. 1.0m – 2.6m

    50cm/75L

    Approx. 1.5m – 3.0m

    100L

    Approx. 1.7m – 2.6m

    200L

    Approx. 2.6m – 4.3m

    300L

    Approx. 2.3m – 3.5m

    400L

    Approx. 2.4m – 3.5m

    500L

    Enquire for current heights

    750L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Acer palmatum is loved for its finely lobed foliage that shifts from soft greens or burgundies in spring and summer to brilliant scarlet, orange, or gold tones in autumn.

    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 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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