Acer palmatum - Japanese Maple

The most popular Japanese Maple! A beautiful small deciduous tree with radiant shades of deep orange and reds in autumn. Perfect feature tree and small shade tree for residential gardens and small backyards.

Quick Info

Height: 4m (small to medium feature tree)

Width: 4m (rounded, spreading canopy)

Growth Rate: Moderate

Frost Tolerance: Excellent for cool to temperate regions. Very hardy once established. Not recommended for very hot, dry inland areas or tropical regions, requires moderate temperatures and consistent moisture.

Positioning: Part shade – Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. Full shade results in open, leggy growth with reduced autumn colour.  Protect from harsh, drying winds which can cause leaf scorch and damage delicate foliage.

Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid waterlogging. Deep, free-draining soil with added compost or peat promotes healthy growth and vibrant autumn colour.

Pest & Disease Management: Generally very hardy with few pest or disease issues. Generally pest-free compared to other deciduous trees.

Pruning & Maintenance: Minimal pruning required. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning which disrupts natural graceful form. 

Perfect For

> Feature trees in residential gardens and small backyards

> Small shade trees for confined spaces

> Japanese and Asian-style garden designs

> Autumn colour displays and seasonal interest

> Mixed deciduous plantings and focal points

> Container planting in large pots

Plant Variety Overview

Acer palmatum, the classic Japanese Maple, is the most beloved and popular maple variety worldwide. This elegant deciduous tree is prized for its refined beauty, graceful branching, and spectacular seasonal colour displays. The seed-grown nature of this variety creates subtle variations in size, shape and leaf colour, adding unique character to each specimen.

The tree displays fresh green foliage throughout spring and summer, creating a delicate, refined canopy. As autumn approaches, foliage transforms into radiant shades of deep orange and crimson—a fiery display before the leaves drop.

The deciduous habit reveals sculptural branching in winter, adding architectural interest to gardens.

The compact to medium size makes this maple ideal for residential gardens where full-sized shade trees would overwhelm the space.

Japanese Maples are beloved by gardeners worldwide for their refined elegance, reliable performance, minimal care requirements, and the unmistakable beauty of their seasonal transformations. The combination of exotic appearance, proven reliability, and year-round visual interest makes Acer palmatum an exceptional choice for feature planting across cool and temperate Australian regions.

Why You'll Love It

> Spectacular Autumn Colour: Foliage transforms from green to radiant shades of deep orange and crimson—one of autumn's most beautiful displays

> Refined Elegance: Delicate branching and palmate foliage create sophisticated garden aesthetic

> Compact Size: Reaches manageable height and width perfect for small gardens and backyards without overwhelming space

> Seed-Grown Character: Subtle variations in each tree add unique individuality and natural character

> Very Hardy: Performs reliably in cool temperate regions including VIC, NSW, ACT and SA

> Year-Round Interest: Spring growth, summer canopy, autumn colour, and winter branching provide constant visual appeal

> Low-Maintenance: Minimal care requirements once established—essentially a plant-and-enjoy specimen

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety