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best japanese maple for full sun

If you love the elegance of Japanese maples but garden in a spot that gets plenty of sunshine, you might be searching for the best Japanese maple for full sun. While many Japanese maples prefer dappled shade, some varieties have proven their resilience and can thrive in New Zealand’s brighter, sunnier gardens. Choosing the right sun-tolerant Japanese maple means you can enjoy stunning leaf colour and graceful form even in sun-soaked locations.

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

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

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Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' (Bloodgood Japanese Maple) is one of the most reliable and popular Japanese maples, valued for its deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for feature planting in both residential and commercial landscapes.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki'

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' is a beautiful Japanese Maple admired for its delicately variegated foliage that emerges with soft pink, cream, and green tones before maturing through summer and finishing with brilliant shades of orange and crimson in autumn.

From $399.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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 'Senkaki'

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', commonly known as the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a beautiful deciduous tree prized for its brilliant coral red branches...

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
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$399.95
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Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim'

Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim' is a compact Japanese Maple prized for its dense upright habit, fresh green foliage, and brilliant coral red stems that...

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...

From$349.95
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Acer 'Esk Sunset'

Acer 'Esk Sunset' is a stunning deciduous maple prized for its richly variegated foliage with green leaves flushed in pink, cream, and purple...

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
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
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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$349.95
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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
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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$349.95
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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$299.95
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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$349.95
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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 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 palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is one of the most admired Japanese Maples, prized for its finely dissected deep red foliage and graceful...

From$299.95
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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$399.95
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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
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 palmatum dissectum 'Viridis'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' is a graceful Japanese Maple prized for its finely dissected bright green foliage and elegant cascading form. The...

From$249.95
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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$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
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...

From$299.95
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
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...

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
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
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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
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 'Bloodgood'

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

Search best japanese maple for full sun

Which Japanese Maples Grow Best in Full Sun?

Many Japanese maples are prized for their delicate foliage and vivid autumn colours, but direct sunlight can scorch or bleach some varieties. Fortunately, several cultivars have evolved tougher leaves that handle more intense sun, particularly when well-watered and mulched. Among these, Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki), also known as Sango Kaku or Coral Bark Maple, stands out for its coral-red stems and bright lime-green spring foliage. This variety is not only sun-tolerant but also adds year-round interest to the garden with its vivid winter bark colour.

Another excellent option is Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', renowned for its deep burgundy-red leaves and strong branching habit. 'Bloodgood' is widely considered one of the best Japanese maples for full sun, especially in cooler regions of New Zealand where the sun isn’t as harsh as in other parts of the world.

Top Japanese Maple Varieties for Sunny Locations

If you’re looking to make a statement, Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki) offers variegated foliage that holds up well with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade. For gardeners wanting refined, lacy foliage, Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama is a standout choice. While many dissected-leaf (laceleaf) varieties need protection, Tamukeyama tolerates full sun better than most, making it a reliable option for pergola or patio plantings.

A newer cultivar, Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple), is also well-adapted to sunny conditions. Its compact size and vibrant orange-red autumn foliage make it an ideal choice for modern landscapes or smaller spaces that receive ample sunlight.

Tips for Growing Japanese Maples in Full Sun

When searching for the best Japanese maple for full sun, it’s not just about the variety—you’ll also want to provide the best growing conditions. Consistent soil moisture, mulch to conserve root coolness, and a well-drained spot are essential. Protect young trees in their first few summers until they build up resilience. Even sun-tolerant varieties will appreciate some wind protection to prevent leaf scorching.

Find Your Sun-Loving Japanese Maple

With the right selection and a little care, you can enjoy the graceful beauty of Japanese maples even in the brightest corners of your garden. Explore our collection, including Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki), Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki), Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama, and Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple), for the best Japanese maple for full sun in New Zealand gardens.

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.

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