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variegated japanese maple

The variegated Japanese maple is a showstopper in any New Zealand garden, admired for its striking foliage and effortless grace. These ornamental trees—primarily varieties of Acer palmatum—are most noted for their exquisite leaves, which showcase a stunning mix of colours and patterns, including cream, white, pink, and green. Whether you're dreaming of a statement tree for your courtyard or a collector's gem for a shaded border, a variegated Japanese maple delivers as a hardy, year-round focal point. At our New Zealand nursery, we offer a curated collection of unique maples perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.

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Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

5 from 2 customers

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the Floating Cloud Maple, its soft green leaves are beautifully marbled with creamy white and blush tones in spring and summer. Perfect for New Zealand gardens, this deciduous tree brings light, contrast, and elegance to sheltered spaces while remaining compact and refined.

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 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 this deciduous tree emerge pink with splashes of white in spring, age to become variegated green, pink, and cream, then turn orange-yellow in autumn before falling. It grows somewhat slowly for a Maple with an upright and rounded habit to about 8 m tall and 4 m wide. Acer Esk Sunset is commonly grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting in a large garden, or used in avenue plantings.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, 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$158.89
Acer 'Asahi Zuru' green and white variegated foliage.

Acer 'Asahi Zuru'

Acer 'Asahi Zuru' is a stunning Japanese Maple known for its delicate, variegated leaves that blend pink, white, and green tones. In autumn, the...

From$33.68
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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...

From$391.14
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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 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...

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
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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
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Acer palmatum pendulum Julian (Acer palmatum dissectum pendulum Julian)

Acer palmatum pendulum Julian is an impressive Japanese Maple that features a rich display of interestingly coloured, weeping foliage. The finely cut...

From$391.14
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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...

From$438.39
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
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Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama

Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama is a variety of Japanese Maple that features a rich display of colourful, weeping foliage. The finely cut leaves...

From$382.61
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.

Acer Stella Rossa

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' is an impressive, small Japanese Maple which features a rich display of interestingly coloured, weeping...

From$450.68
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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...

From$450.68
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$382.61
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$382.61
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$382.61
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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$391.14
Acorus albo variegata foliage variegated green and yellow.

Acorus Albo Variegata (Variegated Sweet Flag)

Acorus Albo Variegata is grown for its attractive, variegated foliage. It features narrow and slender leaves that are cream with a dark green edge...

From$16.13
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Acer palmatum Seiryu

Acer palmatum dissectum Seiryu is a Japanese Maple that features a rich display of colourful and delicate foliage. The finely cut leaves emerge lime...

From$382.61
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$382.61
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$124.13
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Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum, commonly known as the Red or Canadian Maple, is an outstanding and colourful, deciduous tree. The leaves emerge mid-green in spring...

From$391.14
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$382.61
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Acer negundo 'Violaceum'

Acer negundo 'Violaceum' is an attractive deciduous maple valued for its distinctive purple tinted young growth and fresh green foliage. The new...

From$450.68
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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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$391.14
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
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
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
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 palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search acer variegated

Why Choose a Variegated Japanese Maple?

Variegated Japanese maples aren't just about gorgeous good looks—they're also chosen for their adaptability, compact size, and resilience. Ideal for small spaces, containers, or feature planting, their delicate foliage emerges in spring with vivid splashes of colour, transforming into slightly different tones through summer and autumn. These maples thrive in part shade, sheltered from strong winds, where their elegant leaves are less likely to scorch. You'll enjoy a special display all season long, with every tree offering its own subtle patterning.

Unique Varieties to Explore

If you're captivated by the variegated Japanese maple, consider exploring distinct cultivars available in New Zealand, each with its own personality. The ethereal Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo', or Floating Cloud Maple, is famed for its pastel pink and white-flecked leaves that look almost hand-painted. For dramatic pink and cream new growth, Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a contemporary favourite, giving gardens an unmistakable accent through every season.

Those wanting an extra pop of colour might choose Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple), celebrated for its large, bold leaves brushed with shades of green, cream, and coral-pink—almost tropical in effect. Acer 'Asahi Zuru' offers further intrigue, with marbled pink and white patches splashed across its fine foliage.

Growing and Caring for Variegated Japanese Maples

To help your variegated Japanese maple thrive, plant it in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and position it where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Protection from harsh winds and hot afternoon sun is key to preventing leaf scorch, particularly with lighter variegated varieties. Regular mulching helps retain moisture around the roots, and watering during dry summers ensures lush, healthy growth. These maples respond well to gentle winter pruning to enhance their naturally elegant, layered form.

Looking for a more upright, formal silhouette? Consider contrasting your variegated Japanese maple with structural shade trees like Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum), which brings classic green lollipop-shaped foliage to the landscape.

Enhance Your Garden with a Variegated Japanese Maple

Whether as a single garden centerpiece or a part of a themed maple collection, a variegated Japanese maple makes an unforgettable addition to Kiwi gardens. Delicate, low-maintenance, and full of seasonal beauty, these trees elevate any outdoor space with their painterly foliage and graceful structure. Browse our selections, including collector favourites such as Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo', Acer palmatum 'Shirazz', and more, to find the perfect match for your landscape. Investing in a variegated Japanese maple promises years of artistry, colour, and classic garden charm.


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.

Our garden favourites Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Parthenocissus tricuspidata Veitchii get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Prunus Kiku Shidare Zakura, Sophora chathamica, and Liriope 'Royal Purple'.
–The Plant Company

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