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red bark japanese maple tree

If you’re seeking a breathtaking ornamental tree to elevate your garden, the red bark Japanese maple tree is a standout choice. Prized for its striking red branches, especially vivid through the winter months, this elegant maple provides year-round interest with delicate, lacy leaves and captivating seasonal colour changes. In New Zealand gardens, red bark Japanese maple trees are loved not only for their dramatic appearance but also for their adaptability to small spaces, pots, and sheltered garden borders.

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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
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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, deciduous tree emerge red in spring, age to become lime green, then develop golden yellow tones in autumn before falling. It typically grows to 2 m tall and the same wide. Acer Fjellheim makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for including in a mixed planting, growing against a stark wall, planting around outdoor living areas, or for using anywhere the spectacular colour can be enjoyed.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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$252.95
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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 capillipes specimen tree in autumn.

Acer capillipes

Acer capillipes (Snake Bark Maple) is a distinctive deciduous maple prized for its striking green and white striped bark and elegant growth habit...

From$450.68
Acer Autumn Red tree.

Acer Autumn Red (Acer rubrum Autumn Red)

Acer platanoides Autumn Red is a variety of the commonly known Plane-Laved Maple, and is a medium sized, deciduous tree with fantastically coloured...

From$391.14
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$391.14
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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
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
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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 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
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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
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Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red

Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red, commonly known as Dog Hobble, is a beautiful shrub which is grown of its colourful and curly foliage. New foliage is...

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A cluster of Hoya 'Red Buttons' purple and red flowers.

Hoya pubicalyx 'Red Button'

Hoya 'Red Button' is a popular variety of Hoya that is commonly grown as an indoor plant. It produces elongated, dark green leaves held on trailing...

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Photinia Super Red (Red Robin)

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Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.

Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

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Escallonia 'Red Elf' red flowers and glossy, green foliage.

Escallonia 'Red Elf'

Escallonia 'Red Elf' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and vibrant, red, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from late...

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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
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Magnolia Red As Red (Red As Red Magnolia)

Magnolia Red as Red bears masses of large and showy, dark red flowers through late winter and early spring. The flowers are borne on the naked stems...

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Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.

Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Crimson Red’ is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

From$29.63
Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' red flowers amidst dark purple foliage.

Lagerstroemia 'Best Red'

Lagerstroemia ‘Best Red’ is a standout crepe myrtle prized for its intense red summer flowers and strong upright tree form. Flowering through the...

From$358.98
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Grevillea Red Clusters (Red Clusters Grevillea)

Grevillea Red Clusters is a fast-growing shrub renowned for its striking flowers and great foliage. Showy clusters of red, spider-like flowers are...

From$28.28
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Acer Red Sunset

Acer rubrum Red Sunset is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features fantastic autumn colours. The lush foliage emerges mid-green in spring...

From$382.61
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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
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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...

From$343.89
Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.

Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia ‘Royal Red’ is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

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Persicaria Red Dragon

The Persicaria Red Dragon plant, commonly known as Knotweed, is a small shrub grown for its beautiful foliage. It carries elongated leaves that are...

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Malus Red Jade

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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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Hebe Red Edge (Hebe albicans Red Edge)

Hebe Red Edge is a NZ native that features masses of small but pretty, lilac-coloured flowers which gradually fade to white. These are produced...

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Carex flagellifera Red plants.

Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

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Pelargonium Two in One Dark Red (Red Pelargonium)

Pelargonium Two In One Dark Red is a variety of Geranium grown for its clusters of dark red flowers. The showy flowers are borne through spring and...

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Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Buddleia, Carex, Cryptomeria, Escallonia, Grevillea, Hebe, Hoya, Lagerstroemia, Leucothoe, Magnolia, Malus, Pelargonium, Persicaria Photinia and Sorbus, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Crabapples, Deciduous Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search red bark japanese maple tree

What Sets the Red Bark Japanese Maple Tree Apart

The defining feature of the red bark Japanese maple tree is, naturally, its radiant bark. Particularly during the colder months, the twigs and young branches take on vibrant scarlet or coral-red hues, creating a dramatic contrast against the landscape and adding a touch of warmth to dreary days. These maples are typically deciduous, boasting finely cut foliage that emerges bright in spring, turns lush green or red in summer, and finishes with fiery tones in autumn. They’re beloved by gardeners who want a tree with year-round visual interest.

While exploring options for vibrant bark and exquisite leaf form, you might also enjoy Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer) for its compact size and bright red new growth, or Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple) for its beautiful autumn display.

Top Varieties and Related Maples

If you’re drawn to the distinctive look of the red bark Japanese maple tree, there are several classic cultivars and related species to consider. Each offers unique characteristics, ideal for crafting a layered tapestry of colour and form.

These maples combine beautifully, enriching your landscape with contrast through every season.

Planting and Care for Red Bark Japanese Maple Trees

Red bark Japanese maple trees thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Choose a sheltered site out of harsh wind and strong afternoon sun, as this helps preserve the bark’s vivid colour and protects the delicate foliage from scorching. While they prefer part-shade, they’re surprisingly resilient and tolerant of New Zealand’s varied climates. Mulch annually to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Regular but not excessive watering is crucial, especially through the drier months, and gentle pruning shapes your maple beautifully.

Their moderate growth rate and manageable size make them perfect focal points in both urban and rural gardens. You can use them as potted features on patios or balconies, or nestle them among other maples like Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer) and Acer capillipes to develop depth and year-round structure.

Add Four-Season Colour to Your Garden

A red bark Japanese maple tree is more than just a seasonal feature—it’s an investment in beauty that endures throughout the year. Whether as a solo showpiece or part of a mixed maple collection, this tree never fails to draw admiration for its vivid branches and graceful form. Explore our range of Japanese maples and discover complementary choices like Acer griseum and Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple) to unlock your landscape’s full potential.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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