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red acer tree

A red acer tree is a striking addition to any New Zealand garden, offering spectacular foliage that adds year-round interest and vibrant autumn colour. These beautiful deciduous trees, known for their fiery red leaves, are highly sought after by gardeners seeking a bold statement or a dramatic feature tree. The red acer tree encompasses several popular maple varieties, each prized for its vivid colour transformation and graceful shape. Whether you’re after a single specimen for your lawn or want to create a stunning avenue of colour, red acers are a versatile option suitable for a range of garden styles and sizes.

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 exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens and is ideal for feature planting in both residential and commercial landscapes. Its foliage emerges bright red in spring, holds colour well through summer, and finishes with vivid crimson tones in autumn. Bold and reliable, Acer 'Red Emperor' adds structure, colour, and year round appeal.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

5 from 2 customers

Acer rubrum Brandywine is an outstanding deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and striking autumn colours. It features lush, mid-green foliage through spring and summer which turns impressive shades of red as autumn progresses. It grows with an upright and rounded habit to eventually reach 10 m tall and 5 m wide. Acer Brandywine makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for avenues, parks, and large gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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...

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Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

From$399.95
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 'Shindeshojo'

Acer 'Shindeshojo' is a spectacular Japanese Maple celebrated for its brilliant bright red foliage in early spring. The vivid colour gradually...

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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
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Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum (Red Maple) is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its outstanding autumn colour and graceful growth habit. The fresh green foliage...

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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...

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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 '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...

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Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange and yellow foliage.
Acer saccharinum

Acer saccharinum, commonly known as the Silver Maple, is a deciduous tree that is grown for its tidy form and colourful autumn foliage. The lush and...

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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...

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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 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$399.95
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Acer 'Autumn Glory'

Acer 'Autumn Glory' is a magnificent deciduous maple renowned for its exceptional autumn colour and attractive rounded canopy. The lush green foliage...

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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...

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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
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
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 '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...

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Acer 'Jeffersred' trees with red foliage in a street planting.
Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred'

Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred' is a striking deciduous maple valued for its strong upright form and outstanding autumn colour. This fast growing tree...

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...

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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 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
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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 '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
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
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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
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$24.95
Acer palmatum Atropurpureum elegant specimen tree.
Acer palmatum Atropurpureum

Acer palmatum Atropurpureum is one of the most popular Japanese maples, prized for its deep purple red foliage and elegant branching habit. This...

From$69.95
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Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum)

Acer platanoides Globosum is a deciduous tree grown for its lush foliage and stunning form. It produces a symmetrical and rounded head of mid-green...

From$299.95
Acer 'Red Emperor'

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Why Choose a Red Acer Tree?

Red acer trees are not only visually stunning but also relatively easy to grow in New Zealand's climate. Their show-stopping foliage provides a changing palette through the seasons, with lush greens in spring and summer followed by brilliant reds, oranges, and crimsons in autumn. Many gardeners choose a red acer tree to add contrast, shade, or a central feature to their landscape design. These trees thrive best in well-drained soil with protection from harsh afternoon sun and wind, making them ideal for sheltered courtyards, lawns, or larger garden beds.

Popular Red Acer Tree Varieties

There are several red acer tree cultivars that thrive in New Zealand conditions, each with its unique form and shade of red. Some of the most admired varieties available include:

Planting and Caring for Your Red Acer Tree

To get the best out of your red acer tree, choose a spot with moist but free-draining soil and dappled light. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool. During dry spells, regular watering is crucial, particularly in the first few years as your tree establishes itself. Pruning is not usually necessary, except to remove damaged or crossing branches. Protect your tree from strong winds and extreme heat, as these can scorch the delicate leaves and reduce the intensity of their colour.

Create a Colourful Landscape With Red Acer Trees

Introducing a red acer tree to your landscape brings dynamic colour and elegant form, ensuring your garden stands out through every season. Whether you opt for Acer Autumn Red (Acer rubrum Autumn Red) or consider other favourites like Acer Red Sunset or Acer 'Red Emperor', you’ll enjoy a hardy, visually rewarding tree that elevates your outdoor space. Browse our collection to find the perfect red acer tree for your garden, and enjoy this enduring symbol of autumn splendour for years to come.


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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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