Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

palmatum japanese maple

The palmatum japanese maple is a renowned choice among gardeners and landscapers in New Zealand, prized for its elegant, finely dissected foliage and brilliant seasonal colour displays. These graceful trees, known botanically as Acer palmatum, bring a touch of Japanese tradition to Kiwi gardens, thriving in a range of conditions and lending year-round interest. Whether as a specimen tree, accent in a border, or container highlight, the palmatum japanese maple provides architectural structure and bursts of colour, making it an ideal addition to gardens large and small.

Acer palmatum stunning specimen tree.

Acer palmatum

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) is a classic ornamental tree treasured for its finely cut foliage, graceful form, and stunning seasonal colour. This deciduous maple performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and suits a wide range of landscape styles. With vibrant spring growth and brilliant autumn tones, it provides year round interest. Elegant and versatile, Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) is an outstanding choice for feature planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
acer-fjellheim-4

Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small, deciduous tree emerge red in spring, age to become lime green, then develop golden yellow tones in autumn before falling. It typically grows to 2 m tall and the same wide. Acer Fjellheim makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for including in a mixed planting, growing against a stark wall, planting around outdoor living areas, or for using anywhere the spectacular colour can be enjoyed.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
acer-senkaki-

Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki)

Acer palmatum Senkaki is a stunning Japanese Maple or Coral Bark Maple due to its striking and delicate foliage. Small, soft looking leaves emerge...

From$382.61
acer-julian-1

Acer palmatum pendulum Julian (Acer palmatum dissectum pendulum Julian)

Acer palmatum pendulum Julian is an impressive Japanese Maple that features a rich display of interestingly coloured, weeping foliage. The finely cut...

From$391.14
acer-viridis--4

Acer palmatum dissectum Viridis

Acer palmatum dissectum Viridis is a variety of Weeping Japanese Maple (Laceleaf), that features a rich display of delicate, weeping foliage. The...

From$391.14
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki is a stunning Japanese Maple due to its delicate foliage and small stature. Small and soft looking leaves emerge...

From$450.68
acer-tamukeyama-1

Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama

Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama is a variety of Japanese Maple that features a rich display of colourful, weeping foliage. The finely cut leaves...

From$382.61
acer-osakazuki-2

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a highly regarded Japanese maple famous for producing some of the most intense scarlet red autumn colour of any maple...

From$391.14
Acer 'Shaina' small and round trees with elegant, dark red-purple foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Shaina'

Acer palmatum 'Shaina' is a compact Japanese maple prized for its intense crimson red foliage and naturally tidy upright habit. This deciduous tree...

From$382.61
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour...

From$382.61
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' specimen tree with colourful dark red foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' (Bloodgood Japanese Maple) is one of the most reliable and popular Japanese maples, valued for its deep red foliage and...

From$391.14
Acer palmatum Atropurpureum elegant specimen tree.

Acer palmatum Atropurpureum

Acer palmatum Atropurpureum is one of the most popular Japanese maples, prized for its deep purple red foliage and elegant branching habit. This...

From$124.13
acer-ukon-

Acer palmatum Ukon

Acer palmatum 'Ukon' is a distinctive Japanese Maple admired for its unusual lime green foliage that brings fresh colour to the garden. New leaves...

From$391.14
acer-seiryu-

Acer palmatum Seiryu

Acer palmatum dissectum Seiryu is a Japanese Maple that features a rich display of colourful and delicate foliage. The finely cut leaves emerge lime...

From$382.61
Acer 'Burgundy Lace' specimen tree with purple foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Burgundy Lace'

Acer palmatum 'Burgundy Lace' is a refined Japanese maple admired for its finely dissected deep burgundy foliage and graceful weeping form. This...

From$450.68
acer-trompenburg-

Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg'

Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its deeply cut rich purple red foliage and distinctive curled leaf edges. The...

From$450.68
acer-ukigumo--1

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the...

From$391.14
acer-beni-otake-3

Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake'

Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its narrow strap like deep red foliage that creates a bold architectural effect...

From$391.14
Acer 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' specimen tree with lush, green foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' is a sought-after dwarf Japanese Maple prized for its dense, layered foliage and elegant form. Its small...

From$158.89
acer-palmatum-shirazz--3

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

From$158.89
acer-amoenum-1

Acer Amoenum (Acer palmatum Amoenum)

Acer palmatum Amoenum is a variety of the commonly known, Japanese Maple, and is grown for its rich display of colourful foliage. Leaves on this...

From$391.14
acer-skeeters-broom-5

Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer)

Acer palmatum Skeeters Broom is an impressive, small, Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of colourful foliage. New leaves emerge bright red in...

From$438.39
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' tree with fine green foliage tinged with purple.

Acer 'Crimson Princess'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its deeply cut, cascading burgundy foliage that intensifies through the...

From$382.61
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.

Acer Stella Rossa

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' is an impressive, small Japanese Maple which features a rich display of interestingly coloured, weeping...

From$450.68
acer-globosum-2

Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum)

Acer platanoides Globosum is a deciduous tree grown for its lush foliage and stunning form. It produces a symmetrical and rounded head of mid-green...

From$391.14
acer-orangeola-

Acer 'Orangeola'

Acer 'Orangeola' is a stunning weeping Japanese Maple admired for its finely cut foliage that emerges bright orange red in spring. The leaves mature...

From$382.61
acer-emerald-lace-

Acer 'Emerald Lace'

Acer 'Emerald Lace' is a graceful laceleaf Japanese Maple admired for its finely divided soft green foliage and elegant cascading form. The delicate...

From$391.14
Acer Autumn Red tree.

Acer Autumn Red (Acer rubrum Autumn Red)

Acer platanoides Autumn Red is a variety of the commonly known Plane-Laved Maple, and is a medium sized, deciduous tree with fantastically coloured...

From$391.14
acer-brandywine-1

Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

Acer rubrum Brandywine is an outstanding deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and striking autumn colours. It features lush, mid-green foliage...

From$382.61
acer-platanoides-4

Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides, commonly known as the Plane-Leaved Maple or Norway Maple, is a large, deciduous tree featuring impressive autumn colours. The lush...

From$252.95
acer-nigrum-

Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides Nigrum, commonly known as the Plane-Leaved Maple or Norway Maple, is a medium sized, deciduous tree with fantastically coloured...

From$382.61
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.

Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

From$391.14
Acer palmatum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, or related Categories - Maple Tree.

Search acer palmatum

What Is a Palmatum Japanese Maple?

The term palmatum japanese maple typically refers to Acer palmatum species—deciduous small trees or large shrubs with palm-shaped leaves. These trees are admired for their delicate, hand-like foliage, which can emerge in shades of green or red and transform into dazzling autumn tones of gold, orange, and crimson. Their compact size and elegant branching make them perfect for courtyards, patios, or Japanese-style gardens.

To explore classic options and cultivars, browse our Acer palmatum range, featuring a diverse selection of stunning palmatum japanese maples suited to New Zealand gardens.

Popular Varieties of Palmatum Japanese Maple

Within the palmatum group, there are many standout varieties, each with unique leaf shapes and colourations:

Each cultivar offers its own charm, ensuring there’s a palmatum japanese maple to suit every garden design and personal taste.

Growing and Caring for Palmatum Japanese Maple in New Zealand

Palmatum japanese maples prefer a sheltered spot with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade to preserve the leaf colour and prevent scorching. They thrive in well-drained, humus-rich soils and appreciate consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry spells. Protect young trees from harsh winds and late frosts to ensure healthy growth.

Mulching around the base conserves soil moisture and enriches the root zone—perfect for these shallow-rooted beauties. Pruning is rarely needed but can be done lightly in summer to maintain shape and remove deadwood.

Bring Colour and Elegance to Your Garden

Whether you’re starting a Japanese-style garden or simply want a feature plant with wow-factor autumn colour, a palmatum japanese maple is an outstanding choice. Explore our range of Acer palmatum trees and discover unique cultivars like Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple), Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki), Acer palmatum pendulum Julian (Acer palmatum dissectum pendulum Julian), and Acer palmatum dissectum Viridis for a palette of colours and forms for your landscape. Grow one of these treasures and enjoy the timeless beauty palmatum japanese maples bring to your outdoor space.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Our garden favourites Zephyranthes candida and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Genista 'Yellow Imp', Lavender 'Sidonie', and Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews