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small acer tree

Discover the charm and versatility of the small acer tree. Perfect for compact gardens, patios, and urban spaces across New Zealand, small acers offer stunning seasonal colour, elegant form, and manageable growth. Whether you're seeking a vibrant focal point for your landscape or a low-maintenance specimen for a container, a small acer tree delivers beauty year-round. In this guide, you'll find expert tips for choosing the right acer, caring for your tree, and discovering top small acer varieties for New Zealand gardens.

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Acer 'Shindeshojo'

5 from 1 customers

Acer 'Shindeshojo' is a spectacular Japanese Maple celebrated for its brilliant bright red foliage in early spring. The vivid colour gradually softens through summer before finishing with glowing crimson tones in autumn.

From $349.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Acer platanoides 'Globosum'

Acer platanoides 'Globosum' is a compact Norway Maple renowned for its naturally rounded globe shaped canopy and lush green foliage that turns brilliant golden yellow in autumn. Its tidy form makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, streetscapes, courtyards, and formal landscapes.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, 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 '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
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...

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
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
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
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
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
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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
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
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 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 'Esk Sunset'

Acer 'Esk Sunset' is a stunning deciduous maple prized for its richly variegated foliage with green leaves flushed in pink, cream, and purple...

From$299.95
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 '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
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki'

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' is a beautiful Japanese Maple admired for its delicately variegated foliage that emerges with soft pink, cream, and...

From$399.95
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 '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 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 '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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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...

From$299.95
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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
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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 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
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Acer 'Brandywine'

Acer 'Brandywine' is a superb deciduous maple admired for its neat upright habit and exceptional autumn display of rich crimson, scarlet, and...

From$299.95
Acer 'Shindeshojo'

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Why Choose a Small Acer Tree?

A small acer tree fits effortlessly into almost any space, bringing a splash of colour and graceful structure. With their delicate, hand-shaped leaves and brilliant autumn hues ranging from fiery reds to golden yellows, small acers provide visual appeal without overwhelming your garden. Their compact size makes them ideal for small yards, pots, or even as accent plants alongside larger trees.

If you’re looking for a tree that requires minimal pruning and adapts well to New Zealand’s temperate climate, small acers are a top choice. They thrive in partial shade, tolerate a variety of soil types (provided they’re well-drained), and suit both modern and traditional garden designs.

Popular Small Acer Tree Varieties

Not all acers are the same. To help you find what’s best for your space, explore these standout options:

Caring for Your Small Acer Tree

Once you’ve selected the perfect small acer, care is straightforward. Plant acers in a spot sheltered from strong winds and direct, harsh sun for best leaf colour and health. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but ensure your soil drains well to prevent root rot. Minimal pruning is needed—simply remove any dead or damaged branches to maintain shape and vigour.

Container-grown acers require more attention to watering, and may need repotting every few years. When choosing a pot, ensure it has ample drainage holes and is large enough for future growth.

Enhance Your Garden With a Small Acer Tree

Whether you’re starting a new landscape or adding to your current garden design, a small acer tree offers unmatched elegance and adaptability. Browse our range of expertly grown Japanese maples and find the ideal small acer tree for your needs. With options like Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple), Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki), and more, your garden is just a tree away from year-round beauty.

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 Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile), and add depth with lesser-known gems like Hoheria angustifolia, Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress), and Ilex crenata 'Helleri'.
–The Plant Company

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