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japanese alder

Japanese alder (Alnus japonica) is a remarkable deciduous tree known for its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing abilities, and seasonal beauty. Sought after by New Zealand gardeners and landscapers, Japanese alder is ideal for shelterbelts, land regeneration, stream margins, and creating a lush, green backdrop in gardens of any size. Its graceful structure and adaptability make it an excellent choice where quick establishment and environmental benefits are top priorities.

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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 leaves create beautiful texture through spring and summer before turning warm golden and red tones in autumn.

From $349.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Cryptomeria japonica monstrosa nana shrub with fine, brown foliage in winter.

Cryptomeria japonica 'Monstrosa Nana'

Cryptomeria japonica 'Monstrosa Nana' is a unique dwarf Japanese Cedar prized for its dense sculptural foliage and naturally compact rounded form. Its rich green foliage develops attractive bronze tones during cooler weather, providing year round interest.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Conifers
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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 '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
Alnus jorullensis lush green foliage.
Alnus jorullensis

Alnus jorullensis (Evergreen Alder, Mexican Alder) is a fast growing and versatile tree that performs superbly in many New Zealand landscapes. It is...

From$165.51
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 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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Cryptomeria japonica

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar) is a majestic evergreen conifer valued for its tall upright form and soft rich green foliage. It brings...

From$270.40
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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 '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
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$44.95
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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
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 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
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$19.95
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
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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
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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 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
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 'Crimson Princess' tree with fine green foliage tinged with purple.
Acer 'Crimson Princess'

Acer 'Crimson Princess' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its deeply cut, cascading burgundy foliage that intensifies through the seasons. This...

From$299.95
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Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its glossy dark green foliage and dense...

From$23.39
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
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$21.95
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$199.95
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
A cluster of Betula platyphylla 'Japonica' trees showing their brilliant white trunks.
Betula platyphylla 'Japonica'

Betula platyphylla 'Japonica' (also known as Japanese White Birch) is a graceful deciduous tree admired for its striking white bark, upright form...

From$383.29
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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 '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 '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 '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 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
Acer 'Emerald Lace'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Alnus, and Cryptomeria, or related Categories - Conifer Shrubs, Conifer Trees, and Deciduous Trees.

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Why Choose Japanese Alder?

Renowned for its versatility, Japanese alder thrives in a range of conditions, particularly damp soils where other species might struggle. Growing up to 20 metres, this resilient tree sports bright green, serrated leaves that transform to a gentle gold in autumn, adding year-round interest. As a leguminous species, Japanese alder enhances soil fertility by naturally fixing atmospheric nitrogen, an attribute that enriches the surrounding ecosystem and supports companion planting. This makes it a popular option for native planting projects, shelter for livestock, and riparian restoration.

Key Features and Uses

Japanese alder is prized for its ability to establish quickly, provide privacy, and stabilize stream banks. Its tolerance for periodic flooding and wet soils makes it invaluable along waterways and in areas prone to erosion. The tree’s spreading roots and dense crown offer shade and wind protection, benefitting both gardens and farms. For those interested in woodland-style landscapes, pairing Japanese alder with other striking trees such as Alnus cordata or the graceful Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama creates textured, layered vistas.

Companion Planting and Ornamental Value

Beyond its practical uses, Japanese alder’s pleasing form and soft, catkin-like flowers in spring add decorative flair to informal and formal plantings alike. For a Japanese-inspired garden, consider teaming it with the elegant Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki) or the weeping foliage of Acer palmatum pendulum Julian (Acer palmatum dissectum pendulum Julian). For year-round structure and colour, conifers such as Cryptomeria japonica Egmont also make excellent companions, contributing unique textures and shades of green.

Growing Japanese Alder in New Zealand

Japanese alder is an easy-care addition for New Zealand gardens. Plant in full sun to partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil for best results. Once established, these trees need minimal maintenance, though occasional pruning will help maintain a desirable shape and promote strong, healthy growth. Japanese alder is suited to both individual specimens and mass plantings for shelterbelts or habitat creation.

Whether you’re restoring a wild area, establishing a garden backdrop, or seeking a sustainable shelter solution, Japanese alder is a dependable, beautiful, and environmentally supportive choice for your New Zealand landscape. Explore our range and enhance your garden with this and other premium trees designed for Kiwi conditions.

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.
Start your garden with Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra 'Frosty Tops', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant), Nashi 'Nijisseiki', and Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Gold'.
–The Plant Company

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