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red wood japanese maple

The red wood Japanese maple is a true showstopper, prized for its brilliant foliage and elegant branching structure. Whether you’re an avid collector of Japanese maples or simply looking to add a unique splash of colour to your New Zealand garden, this tree is an ideal choice. Renowned for its rich red hues, graceful leaf shapes, and year-round interest, the red wood Japanese maple is both versatile and compact, making it perfect for gardens of all sizes, container planting, or as a statement feature in a landscape design.

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Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

5 from 2 customers

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.

From $349.95

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
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.

From $349.95

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
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 '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 '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 '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 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 '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
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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
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 '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 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
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
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
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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
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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 rubrum

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

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
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...

From$18.95
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...

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A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy...

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Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

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Callistemon 'Red Alert'

Callistemon 'Red Alert' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The vivid...

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Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and...

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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...

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Callistemon citrinus 'Red Cluster' small tree with masses of red, pendulous flowers.
Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' is a striking bottlebrush variety valued for its clusters of vivid red flower spikes and dense evergreen foliage. Flowering...

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Escallonia 'Red Knight' growing as a border around the base of a tree.
Escallonia 'Red Knight'

Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a vibrant evergreen shrub prized for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This hardy variety produces...

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Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red'

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

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Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
Phormium 'Rainbow Red'

Phormium 'Rainbow Red' is a vibrant New Zealand native flax admired for its bold, arching leaves in shades of bronze, red, and pink. This striking...

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Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

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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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Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

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Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

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Features and Growing Conditions

The red wood Japanese maple stands out with its dramatic, finely lobed leaves that emerge in shades of vibrant red in spring, deepen through summer, and ignite with scarlet and crimson tones in autumn. This slow-growing, deciduous tree typically reaches between 3 to 5 metres at maturity, forming an attractive layered canopy. It prefers a sheltered location in dappled or morning sun, well-drained soil, and protection from hot afternoon sun and harsh winds. Mulching in autumn helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool during warmer months.

Red wood Japanese maple trees thrive in temperate regions across New Zealand. Their compact growth and striking colour make them ideal for urban gardens, patios, and even smaller townhouses where space is at a premium. They’re also relatively low-maintenance once established, with pruning only required to shape and remove any crossing or damaged branches.

Uses in New Zealand Gardens

Few trees offer the year-round beauty and versatility of the red wood Japanese maple. Consider planting as a specimen tree in a lawn, accenting a Japanese-themed or woodland garden, or incorporating into mixed borders for contrast. They’re well suited for container gardening, allowing you to position your maple on a patio or deck to enjoy its vibrant display up close. In autumn, their fiery foliage is a reliable focal point, enhancing other seasonal plants. The naturally graceful form also means your red wood Japanese maple looks attractive even in winter, with its intricate branch structure adding interest after its leaves have fallen.

Japanese Maple Selection

If you love the look of the red wood Japanese maple, you may also want to explore other outstanding cultivars. The Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer) is a compact maple with bright red new growth and lush burgundy foliage, making it another robust choice for New Zealand gardens. The beautifully cascading Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama features deep crimson leaves and a graceful weeping habit, perfect for water features or feature planting.

For taller, upright options, the Acer 'Red Emperor' delivers vivid red foliage and fast growth, ideal as an all-season screen or background tree. The cold-hardy Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple) offers rich hues and strong structure, while the brilliant Acer Autumn Red (Acer rubrum Autumn Red) provides phenomenal autumn colour, complementing any landscape.

Care Tips

Plant your red wood Japanese maple in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade for the best colour and to protect foliage. Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first few years. Each year, a light mulch of organic compost helps ensure ongoing vigour. With a little care, your red wood Japanese maple will provide decades of beauty and seasonal interest, turning your garden into a sanctuary of colour and form.

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.

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