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aureum japanese maple

Discover the dazzling beauty of the aureum Japanese maple, a prized ornamental tree favoured for its golden foliage and delicate structure. If you’re searching for an eye-catching specimen to brighten up shady corners or provide a striking contrast in your garden, the aureum Japanese maple is an exceptional choice. With its graceful, lacy leaves and compact size, this maple thrives in New Zealand’s varied climates and offers year-round visual interest. Read on to see how you can make the most of this standout tree, and explore other inspiring options for your garden.

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 deciduous tree performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for feature planting in both small and large landscapes. Its finely cut leaves hold rich colour through spring and summer before glowing crimson in autumn. Refined and timeless, Acer palmatum Atropurpureum adds year round beauty and structure.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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 foliage on a solitary trunk which is formed without trimming. As autumn progresses the leaves develop colourful yellow tones before falling. It typically grows to 4 m tall and 3 m wide. Acer Globosum makes for a fantastic specimen and is well suited to growing around outdoor living areas, adding to a mixed planting, using in an avenue planting, or maintaining in a courtyard garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Garden uses: Avenues, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

From$38.57
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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$299.95
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$399.95
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a standout Japanese maple admired for its glowing apricot and orange toned foliage that brings warmth and vibrancy...

From$299.95
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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$299.95
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Acer 'Autumn Glory'

Acer 'Autumn Glory' is a magnificent deciduous maple renowned for its exceptional autumn colour and attractive rounded canopy. The lush green foliage...

From$299.95
Acer griseum specimen tree in a park.
Acer griseum

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a highly sought after deciduous tree prized for its beautiful peeling cinnamon coloured bark and outstanding autumn...

From$249.95
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Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum (Red Maple) is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its outstanding autumn colour and graceful growth habit. The fresh green foliage...

From$349.95
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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...

From$399.95
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Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

From$399.95
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...

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Acer rubrum 'Bowhall' specimen trees with orange, autumn foliage.
Acer rubrum 'Bowhall'

Acer rubrum 'Bowhall' is a stunning, upright form of the red maple that delivers vibrant seasonal colour and elegant structure to New Zealand...

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Acer 'Armstrong' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Armstrong'

Acer 'Armstrong' is a distinctive Maple grown for its narrow, upright growth habit and fabulous autumn colours. This fast-growing tree produces a...

From$299.95
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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$349.95
An Acer buergerianum specimen tree.
Acer buergerianum

Acer buergerianum, commonly known as the Trident Maple, is a striking deciduous tree admired for its distinctive three-lobed leaves and brilliant...

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Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.
Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$349.95
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.
Acer 'Stella Rossa'

Acer 'Stella Rossa' is a striking Japanese Maple valued for its finely dissected deep red foliage and elegant cascading growth habit. The rich...

From$399.95
Acer 'Asahi Zuru' green and white variegated foliage.
Acer 'Asahi Zuru'

Acer 'Asahi Zuru' is a stunning Japanese Maple known for its delicate, variegated leaves that blend pink, white, and green tones. In autumn, the...

From$24.95
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$299.95
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Acer 'Shindeshojo'

Acer 'Shindeshojo' is a spectacular Japanese Maple celebrated for its brilliant bright red foliage in early spring. The vivid colour gradually...

From$349.95
An Acer 'Katsura' specimen tree with orange and green foliage.
Acer 'Katsura'

Acer 'Katsura' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its brilliant apricot orange spring foliage that matures to fresh green before turning vibrant...

From$299.95
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Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a unique Japanese Maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and upright growth habit. Unlike many laceleaf maples...

From$299.95
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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$349.95
Acer 'Jeffersred' trees with red foliage in a street planting.
Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred'

Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred' is a striking deciduous maple valued for its strong upright form and outstanding autumn colour. This fast growing tree...

From$299.95
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$299.95
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Acer negundo 'Violaceum'

Acer negundo 'Violaceum' is an attractive deciduous maple valued for its distinctive purple tinted young growth and fresh green foliage. The new...

From$399.95
Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' bright red foliage.
Acer 'Fireglow'

Acer 'Fireglow' is a striking Japanese maple prized for its brilliant deep red foliage that holds colour exceptionally well throughout the season...

From$349.95
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$299.95
Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange and yellow foliage.
Acer saccharinum

Acer saccharinum, commonly known as the Silver Maple, is a deciduous tree that is grown for its tidy form and colourful autumn foliage. The lush and...

From$299.95
An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves...

From$249.95
Acer palmatum Atropurpureum

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

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Aureum Japanese Maple: Features and Growing Advice

The aureum Japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Aureum') is renowned for its vivid yellow to lime-green leaves that truly glow in spring and summer. As autumn approaches, these leaves gently transition to soft shades of orange and gold, delivering a spectacular seasonal display. Unlike many other maples, the aureum prefers dappled shade, making it ideal for planting beneath taller trees, alongside garden paths, or even in containers for patios.

This maple stays relatively compact, usually reaching 2–3 metres in height and width. Its naturally rounded form requires minimal pruning, making it an easy-care choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. When planting aureum Japanese maple, look for a sheltered location protected from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. These conditions help preserve the leaf colour and prevent scorching.

Using Aureum Japanese Maple in Your Garden Design

Aureum Japanese maple works beautifully as a focal feature or as part of a mixed border. Pair it with dark-leaved companions or flowering shrubs to enhance its golden tones. Its delicate structure complements woodland plantings and can even be used in Japanese-inspired landscape themes. For shaded or semi-shaded spaces, aureum Japanese maple adds a splash of colour without overwhelming other plantings.

If you’re looking to expand your collection of Acer species, consider exploring the rich red foliage of Acer Autumn Red (Acer rubrum Autumn Red) and the deep plum hues of Acer palmatum Atropurpureum. Both provide striking seasonal contrast alongside your aureum Japanese maple.

Companion Trees and Plant Recommendations

Combining the aureum Japanese maple with other trees can elevate the look and feel of your outdoor space. Acer Autumn Glory offers vibrant autumn colours that complement the subtle golds of the aureum. For a unique architectural accent, the rounded canopy of Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum) pairs beautifully in structured garden designs.

For indoor or shaded outdoor gardens, consider introducing foliage contrast with the blue-green tones of Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern), which harmonises well with the sunny leaves of your aureum maple.

Caring for Your Aureum Japanese Maple

To keep your aureum Japanese maple looking its best, maintain moist, well-drained soil and mulch lightly to regulate the temperature around the root zone. Water regularly during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Minimal feeding is required—use a balanced fertiliser in early spring if growth appears sluggish. Protect young trees from frost and wind, and enjoy the brilliant colours your aureum Japanese maple brings to your garden, season after season.

Explore our range of speciality maples and companion plants, and let your garden bloom with colour and character.


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