Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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evergreen maple tree

If you're searching for an evergreen maple tree to enhance your New Zealand garden, you're not alone. Many gardeners are drawn to the timeless beauty, year-round foliage, and elegant form that maples offer. However, while the classic look of Japanese maples and other Acer varieties is highly sought after, it's important to know that most true maples are deciduous, not evergreen. In this guide, we’ll explore your options, help clarify the evergreen maple tree myth, and suggest stunning alternatives to enjoy vibrant foliage across all seasons.

Acer griseum

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a highly sought after deciduous tree prized for its beautiful peeling cinnamon coloured bark and outstanding autumn colour. This slow growing maple performs well in New Zealand gardens and provides year round interest, especially in winter when the bark is most visible. Its refined shape and seasonal beauty make it an excellent feature tree for ornamental and landscape planting.

Buy Acer griseum

From $252.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 12.00 m

Spread: 8.00 m

Garden uses: Ponds

Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese

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. This elegant deciduous tree performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for feature planting where seasonal impact is desired. Its fresh green spring and summer foliage transforms dramatically in autumn, making Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' a standout choice for ornamental landscapes.

Buy Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

From $391.14

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Are There True Evergreen Maple Trees?

Despite the popularity of the search for an evergreen maple tree, there are currently no species within the Acer genus that are truly evergreen. All maples, including favourites like Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki', Acer griseum, and Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), naturally lose their leaves over winter. This seasonal change is part of their charm, producing spectacular autumn colours before the trees rest and rejuvenate for the next growing season.

Why the Confusion About Evergreen Maples?

The idea of an evergreen maple tree often comes from confusing maples with other evergreen trees that have similar leaf shapes or growth habits, such as evergreen oaks or holly. Sometimes, particular cultivars of maples maintain their leaves longer in mild Kiwi climates, but these leaves eventually fall. On occasion, the term "evergreen maple" may refer to non-maple trees with maple-like foliage, but these are not true Acers.

Beautiful Alternatives for Year-Round Interest

Although a true evergreen maple tree is elusive, there are many maples that offer exceptional year-round interest through their branching structure, colourful bark, and lingering seed clusters. Consider these sought-after maples for your garden:

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki': Celebrated for its brilliant autumn colour, this Japanese maple holds its foliage late into the season and features graceful winter branching.
Acer griseum: Known as the Paperbark Maple, its cinnamon-hued peeling bark provides an architectural focal point through winter.
Acer palmatum: The classic Japanese maple boasts intricate leaf shapes and an elegant canopy, perfect for shady city gardens or courtyards.
Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki): This cultivar is prized for its vibrant winter branches, which glow coral-red against the subdued backdrop of the season.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple): While deciduous, this majestic North American native is renowned for its blazing autumn hues and stately presence.

Creating Evergreen Structure with Companion Planting

To achieve evergreen structure in your garden, pair your favourite maples with evergreen shrubs or groundcovers. Consider camellias, rhododendrons, or native New Zealand species like pittosporum, which provide lush greenery all year. This complementary planting ensures your garden remains full and inviting, even when your maples temporarily let go of their leaves.

Find Your Perfect Maple

While the elusive evergreen maple tree remains a gardening myth, the charm and beauty of maples make them priceless additions to any landscape. Explore the range of maples available in our nursery, from the show-stopping Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' to the captivating Acer griseum. Let these beloved trees bring year-round structure and seasonal drama 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.