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types of japanese maples

Japanese maples are beloved for their elegance, delicate foliage, and dazzling seasonal colour. Whether you're designing a courtyard, framing an entryway, or seeking a vibrant specimen for your garden, there are many distinct types of Japanese maples to consider. With their intricate leaves, diverse shapes, and ever-changing hues, Japanese maples offer endless variety—making them one of New Zealand's favourite ornamental trees.

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 seasons. This elegant weeping variety forms a graceful dome of colour, making it a standout feature in New Zealand gardens.

From $299.95

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 'Seiryu'

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a unique Japanese Maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and upright growth habit. Unlike many laceleaf maples, this variety forms an elegant upright tree while retaining the delicate texture that makes Japanese Maples so desirable.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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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 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 'Coonara Pygmy' tree with green foliage and orange, new growth.
Acer palmatum 'Coonara Pygmy'

Acer palmatum 'Coonara Pygmy' is a delightful dwarf Japanese Maple known for its compact form and finely divided leaves. The foliage emerges soft...

From$299.95
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
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
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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...

From$249.95
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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 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 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 '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 '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 '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 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 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 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 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 '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
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
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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 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
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...

From$349.95
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
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 '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
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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 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
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$249.95
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
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
Acer 'Crimson Princess'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, or related Categories - Maple Tree.

Search types of japanese maples

Palmate Japanese Maples

The classic Japanese maple, Acer palmatum, is known for its five- to seven-lobed leaves and upright branching. Many types of Japanese maples fall into this category, each with unique features. For example, Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki) stands out for its coral-red stems that glow in winter, complemented by fresh green summer foliage that turns yellow-orange in autumn. Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer) is another striking option, favoured for its compact habit and bright scarlet foliage in spring that deepens in colour by autumn.

Dissectum or Laceleaf Japanese Maples

Dissectum varieties, often called laceleaf Japanese maples, are cherished for their finely cut, weeping leaves and graceful form. They make excellent focal points in sheltered gardens or feature containers. The Acer palmatum dissectum Atropurpureum (Dissectum atropurpureum Japanese Maple) offers elegant, cascading branches and rich burgundy leaves, adding drama to garden beds or courtyards. Another popular cultivar, Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama, features deep red, lacy foliage that holds its vibrant hues throughout the seasons.

Variegated and Unusual Types

For gardeners who enjoy something a little different, variegated Japanese maples can create stunning foliage effects. Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki) is a beautiful example, with striking pink, cream, and green variegated leaves that ensure year-round interest and a soft, colourful accent in mixed borders.

Choosing the Right Type of Japanese Maple

When choosing among the many types of Japanese maples, consider your garden’s light, shelter, and available space. Upright varieties suit narrow spaces and entryways, while dissectum types shine as focal points or in large pots. All types of Japanese maples appreciate dappled light and protection from harsh winds for best leaf colour and shape.

With such a magnificent array of forms and colours—such as the bold stems of Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki), the fine feathered leaves of Acer palmatum dissectum Atropurpureum (Dissectum atropurpureum Japanese Maple), or the standout foliage of Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)—it’s easy to see why these trees are treasured in New Zealand gardens. Explore the unique characteristics of each variety to find the perfect Japanese maple for your landscape.

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.
You know Lomandra Lime Tuff and Cereus tetragonus, but have you met Michelia 'Velvet and Cream', Pear Conference, and Grape 'Pinot Noir'? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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