Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 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 Japanese Maple
About Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
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).
Distinguishing Features
Distinguishing Features
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple is a great option for you if you:
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 4 m – 8 m
Mature Width: 3 m – 6 m
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30 – 60 cm per year (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 Japanese Maple
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).
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To Pair With Your Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Type: Structural Foliage
Buxus sempervirens English Box Topiary Balls
Type: Hedging and Screening Trees
Rhaphiolepis indica 'Oriental Pearl'
Type: Hedging and Screening Trees
Pittosporum tobira 'Miss Muffet'
Type: Hedging and Screening Trees
Acmena smithii 'Sublime' Lilly Pilly
Type: Australian Native
Viburnum tinus
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple works in an:
Is Acer palmatum Japanese Maple Evergreen or Deciduous?
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 & Width
Mature Height: 4 m – 8 m
Mature Width: 3 m – 6 m
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).
Growth Rate of Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Growth Rate of Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
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?
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?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Red
Is Acer palmatum Japanese Maple an Australian Native Tree?
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 ?
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?
How much Sunlight does Acer palmatum Japanese Maple need?
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
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?
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.
Planting Information
How To Plant Your Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
How To Plant Your Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple is expected to grow 30 – 60 cm per year (moderate).
Long Term Care For Your Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Long Term Care For Your Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
