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short japanese maple

Looking for a short Japanese maple to add elegance, colour, and structure to your compact garden or courtyard? Japanese maples are treasured for their delicate foliage, striking seasonal colour, and graceful form. If you need a variety that doesn’t grow too tall, a short Japanese maple is the ideal choice—perfect for small spaces, container gardens, underplanting larger trees, or creating a focal point in tight spots. Many dwarf and weeping forms reach only 1–2 metres at maturity, offering all the beauty of Japanese maples without dominating your landscape.

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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 cascading habit. The rich burgundy leaves maintain excellent colour through spring and summer before developing brilliant crimson tones in autumn. Its elegant weeping form creates a striking focal point and provides year round interest in the landscape. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is valued for its beauty, reliability, and exceptional ornamental appeal.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 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. Its weeping habit and refined structure make it a stunning focal point in any landscape. Well suited to New Zealand gardens, Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' is highly valued for its beauty, seasonal colour, and timeless appeal.

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 '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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 '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
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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki is a stunning Japanese Maple due to its delicate foliage and small stature. Small and soft looking leaves emerge...

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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 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...

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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...

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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...

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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 '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 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 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...

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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...

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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 '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
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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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...

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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...

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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 '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 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
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...

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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, or related Categories - Maple Tree. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like lace japanese maple, and dissectum japanese maple.

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Why Choose a Short Japanese Maple?

Short Japanese maples are versatile and easy to incorporate into a range of New Zealand gardens. Their modest height makes them suitable for patios, balconies, courtyards, and even as bonsai specimens. They’re a smart solution for planting beneath power lines or – thanks to their non-invasive roots – near pathways and buildings. The intricate leaf forms and changing colours provide year-round interest. Whether you’re seeking bold spring greens, fiery autumn shades, or finely cut leaves, there’s a short Japanese maple to suit your design vision.

Popular Varieties of Short Japanese Maples

There are many beautiful cultivars to explore. Some of the best-loved short Japanese maples include:

How to Grow and Care for a Short Japanese Maple

Short Japanese maples thrive in part shade, sheltered from harsh midday sun and strong winds. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first two years after planting, to help establish a robust root system. A layer of mulch will help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is seldom needed but can be done in late winter to remove any dead or crossing branches, preserving the maple’s delicate form. Consider your specimen’s mature size when planting to avoid overcrowding, especially if you’re planting near structures or walkways.

Find Your Ideal Short Japanese Maple

Whether you’re starting a new landscape or adding a feature tree to an established garden, a short Japanese maple offers beauty and versatility in a manageable size. Browse our collection—Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama, Acer palmatum dissectum Viridis, Acer Stella Rossa, Acer palmatum pendulum Julian (Acer palmatum dissectum pendulum Julian), and Acer 'Emerald Lace'—to find the perfect fit for your space. With the right care, your chosen short Japanese maple will grace your garden with elegance for many years to come.


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.

Start your garden with Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa, and add depth with lesser-known gems like Apple 'Liberty', Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue), and Leucanthemum 'Banana Cream'.
–The Plant Company

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