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golden japanese maple

If you’re searching for a truly eye-catching feature tree for your New Zealand garden, the golden Japanese maple is a spectacular choice. Renowned for its vibrant yellow to golden foliage, this Japanese maple variety brings sunlight to partly-shaded and mixed perennial gardens alike. With delicately lobed leaves and a gracefully spreading habit, the golden Japanese maple not only provides season-long colour but also striking architectural interest right through autumn. Whether planted as a focal specimen or as part of a layered planting design, this maple offers versatility, manageable size, and year-round good looks.

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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 emerge bright chartreuse in spring, holding their vibrant tone through summer before turning warm golden shades in autumn.

From $349.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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 delicate leaves create a soft textured appearance through spring and summer before transforming into brilliant shades of gold and orange in autumn.

From $249.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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 '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
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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
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
Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' tree with yellow foliage.
Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

Podocarpus totara Aurea, commonly known as Golden Totara, features golden foliage composed of short, needle-like leaves held densely. It typically...

From$30.29
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Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold'

Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold' is a striking Norway Maple prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that holds its colour through spring and...

From$349.95
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 '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 '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...

From$299.95
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$299.95
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...

From$399.95
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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
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 '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
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 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
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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
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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
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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 '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
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
Hedera 'Golden Ingot' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

Hedera helix ‘Golden Ingot’ is a striking evergreen ivy admired for its bright golden-yellow foliage edged with soft green tones. This compact and...

From$17.95
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 '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
Gardenia 'Golden Magic' plant featuring beautiful yellow flowers with dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Golden Magic'

Gardenia 'Golden Magic' is a unique evergreen shrub that produces highly fragrant white flowers which gradually turn golden yellow as they age...

From$18.95
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 platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
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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
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 Ukon

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

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Why Choose a Golden Japanese Maple?

The golden Japanese maple stands out for several reasons. Its vivid golden leaves appear in spring and continue glowing right through summer, often developing hints of orange or red in autumn for an extra splash of colour. These trees are hardy, generally thriving in New Zealand’s temperate climate, and make a low-maintenance yet high-impact statement. They fit beautifully into Japanese-inspired landscapes, woodland gardens, or smaller urban spaces where shade and filtered light are at a premium.

Perfect Companion Maples and Alternatives

If you love the appearance of golden Japanese maples, you may be interested in other vibrant maples with unique foliage or form. The Acer 'Shidava Gold' is an exceptional alternative, offering graceful, golden-yellow spring foliage that enriches any planting. For a paler gold with hints of lime, Acer palmatum Ukon makes a serene addition to compositional plantings. If you crave something bolder for a larger garden, Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree) delivers broad, golden canopy coverage and is ideal for driveways and lawn specimens.

For those who prefer intricate leaf shapes, Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple) brings exceptional texture, while Acer 'Emerald Lace' offers feathery, finely dissected green foliage with an elegant cascading habit, making these Japanese maples excellent companions to golden-toned varieties.

Planting and Care Tips for Golden Japanese Maple

Plant your golden Japanese maple in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade for the brightest leaf colour and to protect foliage from scorching. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter, moist, but never waterlogged—good drainage is essential. A mulch of bark will help retain moisture and keep roots cool. Regular watering in the first two years ensures strong establishment. Japanese maples appreciate shelter from strong winds, which can damage their tender leaves.

Golden Japanese maples rarely require heavy pruning; simply remove any crossing or damaged branches in late winter to early spring. Feed annually with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to support healthy growth and luminous foliage.

Where to Find Golden Japanese Maples in New Zealand

If you’re ready to add a golden Japanese maple to your garden, our nursery offers a curated selection of stunning cultivars. Whether you’re looking for the signature golden glow or exploring related maples with unique characteristics, you’ll find expert-grown plants ready to thrive in New Zealand gardens. Pair your golden Japanese maple with other complementary maples or perennials for a showstopping display of colour and texture in every season. Let your garden glow with the beauty and elegance of a golden Japanese maple.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Garden icons like Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) lead the way, but there’s magic in discovering Carpodetus serratus, Grape 'Thompson Seedless', and Quince 'Smyrna'.
–The Plant Company

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