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dwarf japanese maple tree

The dwarf Japanese maple tree is a sought-after feature in New Zealand gardens, admired for its compact size, delicate foliage, and striking colour. Perfect for small spaces, courtyards, patio containers, and bonsai enthusiasts, this miniature version of the classic Japanese maple offers vibrant interest year-round. Whether you’re designing a tranquil Zen landscape or simply looking for an easy-care specimen tree to brighten your outdoor area, dwarf Japanese maple trees bring elegance and versatility, all within a manageable, space-saving form. Their slow growth and neat habit make them ideal for gardens with limited room, as well as for those who appreciate subtle, sculptural plants.

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, overlapping green leaves create a unique, architectural appearance that turns fiery shades of red and orange in autumn. Compact and slow-growing, this variety is perfect for pots, courtyards, and small NZ gardens where a refined and striking feature tree is desired.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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 spring, age to a rich purple-red through summer, then turn scarlet red in autumn before falling. The foliage is held densely off upright stems and it typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide. Acer Skeeters Broom is a magnificent specimen that is perfect for adding to a mixed planting, growing as a specimen, planting around outdoor living areas, or using as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, 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...

From$450.68
acer-esk-sunset-

Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$382.61
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-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 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...

From$450.68
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$33.68
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-princeton-gold-

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

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
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$252.95
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.

Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

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Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)

Fatsia japonica is an evergreen shrub with leaves that are large, bright green, and provide a sense of freshness to the garden. Small, white flowers...

From$24.23
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Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

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Phoenix roebelenii (Dwarf Date Palm)

Phoenix roebelenii, commonly known as the Dwarf Date Palm, Miniature Date Palm, or Pygmy Date Palm, is a delightful and popular Palm tree. It...

From$158.89
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.

Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$33.68
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.

Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ is a compact, evergreen shrub with dense, glossy green foliage and a naturally rounded form. The small, convex leaves give it...

From$26.93
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Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus)

Cyperus papyrus Nana, the Dwarf Papyrus, is a perennial grass with bright green leaves and distinctive umbrella-like flower sprays in summer. Growing...

From$20.18
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Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
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Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
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Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar)

Cryptomeria japonica is a beautiful and versatile plant perfect for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and year-round interest.

From$299.92
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Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
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Callistemon 'Green John' (Dwarf Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Green John' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its fresh green foliage and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring...

From$26.93
Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) plants grown as a topiary.

Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese Holly, is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its small, glossy green leaves that resemble boxwood. Ideal...

From$26.93
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
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Magnolia Deryk (Magnolia Tree Deryk)

Magnolia Deryk is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, dark red-purple flowers from late winter until early spring. The flowers are...

From$343.89
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Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
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Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

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Fuchsia arborescens tree with pink flowers and lush green foliage.

Fuchsia arborescens (Tree Fuchsia)

Fuchsia arborescens is an evergreen shrub favoured for its pretty flowers, which are produced almost year-round. Large and showy clusters of...

From$22.28
Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Callistemon, Chiranthodendron, Cryptomeria, Cyperus, Fatsia, Fuchsia, Ilex, Juniperus, Kniphofia, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Phoenix, Pittosporum, Schefflera, Sequoiadendron Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Palm Trees, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, Evergreen Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search dwarf japanese maple tree

Varieties of Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree

New Zealand gardeners are spoiled for choice when it comes to dwarf Japanese maple tree varieties. One of the most popular is Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa', celebrated for its densely layered foliage and architectural branches. This cultivar is renowned for its compact growth and can fit beautifully into containers or as a focal point in smaller gardens.

Another standout is Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer), which offers a tight, upright habit and vibrant red autumn colour. For those who want a unique twist on traditional Japanese maples, Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple) is a semi-dwarf variety with distinctive foliage, while Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple) offers bold, variegated leaves and year-round appeal. If you prefer a touch of red twig colour in winter, Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki) is a classic choice.

Planting and Care Tips

Dwarf Japanese maple trees thrive in well-drained soil, partial shade, and sheltered spots away from harsh winds and strong afternoon sun. They’re perfect for containers, provided you use a premium potting mix and ensure consistent moisture. To maintain their compact habit, minimal pruning is needed—simply remove dead or crossing branches to keep the shape neat. Feeding in spring with a slow-release fertiliser will boost foliage colour and vigour.

Landscaping with Dwarf Japanese Maple Trees

A dwarf Japanese maple tree makes an excellent accent for modern and traditional gardens alike. Use them in Japanese-themed landscapes for a serene look or as a feature in mixed shrub borders to add height and colour contrast. Their compact form and slow growth also make them ideal for urban gardens or patios, where space is at a premium.

You’ll often find dwarf Japanese maple trees paired with ferns, hostas, and spring bulbs, which complement their foliage and provide textural contrast. For a creative touch, consider using them as living art in a bonsai display, or place them in decorative pots by entrances for a warm welcome.

Find Your Ideal Dwarf Japanese Maple Tree

If you’re searching for a dwarf Japanese maple tree to enhance your New Zealand garden, browse our collection of specialist maples. Discover exceptional cultivars like Acer palmatum 'Mikawa Yatsubusa', Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer), Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple), Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple), and Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki) for premium choices suited to NZ conditions. Our expert nursery team is happy to help you select the best dwarf Japanese maple tree for your needs, whether you’re updating a courtyard or crafting a peaceful garden retreat.


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.

–The Plant Company

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