acer palmatum suminagashi tree

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
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The Acer palmatum Suminagashi tree is a standout Japanese maple prized for its elegant form and dramatic foliage. With deeply lobed leaves that emerge rich red in spring, turning burgundy throughout summer and ending with fiery crimson in autumn, this small deciduous tree brings year-round interest to New Zealand gardens. Its gracefully arching branches and delicate texture make it an ideal feature for courtyards, Japanese-inspired landscapes, or shaded woodland plantings. Known for its resilience and compact habit, the Acer palmatum Suminagashi tree is well suited for small gardens, containers, and even bonsai culture.

Acer palmatum 'Sumi Nagashi'

Acer palmatum 'Sumi Nagashi' is a superb Japanese Maple admired for its deep maroon red foliage that holds its colour beautifully through spring and summer. In autumn the leaves intensify to glowing crimson, creating a dramatic seasonal display. Ideal for New Zealand gardens, this deciduous tree offers bold colour, elegant form, and reliable performance, making it a standout choice for feature planting in lawns, borders, and courtyard spaces.

Acer palmatum 'Sumi Nagashi'

Suited to regions:
All regions
Plant type:
Trees
Height:
8.00 m
Spread:
8.00 m
Garden uses:
Containers, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles:
Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese

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Why Choose Acer palmatum Suminagashi Tree?

Gardeners across New Zealand are drawn to the Acer palmatum Suminagashi tree for its vivid colour transitions and refined silhouette. Reaching a mature height of around 4 to 5 metres, it’s a perfect choice for adding structure and seasonal flair to your outdoor space without overwhelming it. Suminagashi’s foliage catches the light beautifully, painting your landscape in shades of red, maroon, and scarlet as the months go by.

The maple prefers a sheltered spot with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. It's excellent as a standalone specimen or teamed with companion trees for layered, colourful planting schemes.

Care & Planting

The Acer palmatum Suminagashi tree thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Give it a mulch of compost in spring to retain moisture and promote healthy roots. Water young trees regularly during dry spells, reducing as they establish. Pruning isn’t essential, but you can lightly shape your maple in winter if desired. Avoid harsh winds and extreme sun, as these can damage the delicate leaves.

For those seeking greater variety in their landscape, this exquisite tree pairs beautifully with other deciduous maples like Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) for contrasting autumn colour, or a vertical accent such as Acer 'Armstrong'.

Design Ideas & Companion Planting

The Acer palmatum Suminagashi tree acts as an anchor in serene Japanese-style gardens. Use it near a pond, alongside mossy stones, or edged with evergreen shrubs for a tranquil look. For a mixed border, try matching its rich tones with the golden hues of Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold' or the silvery leaves of Eucalyptus nicholii (Narrow-Leaved Black Peppermint). If you enjoy seasonal blooms, consider underplanting with spring bulbs or shade-loving perennials.

Other statement trees that complement Suminagashi include the stately Platanus 'Autumn Glory' and architectural Pittosporum ellipticum. Diversify your garden’s palette with the subtle elegance of Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred' or the unique foliage of Acer saccharinum.

Bringing Autumn Colour to New Zealand Gardens

With the Acer palmatum Suminagashi tree, vibrant autumn colour is just a planting away. Its graceful form and easy care make it a favourite among gardeners and landscapers seeking a focal point that evolves with the seasons. If you’re looking to build a lasting landscape filled with year-round visual interest, consider combining this Japanese maple with hardy, classic trees like Pyrus ussuriensis or exploring our full Acer collection.

Let the Suminagashi tree transform your garden into a tapestry of rich colour and natural beauty.

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.