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yellow japanese maple

If you’re searching for a stunning yellow Japanese maple to brighten your garden, you’ve discovered one of the most visually captivating ornamental trees available. Renowned for their delicate leaves and graceful shapes, Japanese maples are popular among New Zealand gardeners. The yellow Japanese maple stands out for its luminous, golden foliage that brings light and warmth to shaded borders, patios, and compact gardens all year round.

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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 foliage on a solitary trunk which is formed without trimming. As autumn progresses the leaves develop colourful yellow tones before falling. It typically grows to 4 m tall and 3 m wide.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Garden uses: Avenues, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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 yellow-green in spring with reddish margins. They mature to a light green in summer before turning spectacular shades of yellow and orange in autumn before falling.

From $399.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree)

Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a variety of the commonly known, Plane-Leaved Maple, and is a medium sized tree with fantastic foliage. The leaves...

From$349.95
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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...

From$199.95
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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$399.95
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 palmatum 'Crippsii' green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Crippsii'

Acer palmatum 'Crippsii' is a refined Japanese maple valued for its deeply lobed foliage and elegant, compact growth habit. Its leaves emerge soft...

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
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Acer platanoides

Acer platanoides (Norway Maple) is a large deciduous tree prized for its broad canopy, dense shade, and attractive seasonal colour. The lush green...

From$249.95
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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 Scolopendrifolium (Acer Scolopendrifolium)

Acer palmatum Scolopendrifolium is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of fine and colourful foliage. This attractive, deciduous...

From$299.95
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Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly...

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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...

From$299.95
Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.
Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$349.95
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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...

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
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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 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$399.95
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...

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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 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 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$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 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
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
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 '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 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 '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 'Autumn Glory'

Acer 'Autumn Glory' is a magnificent deciduous maple renowned for its exceptional autumn colour and attractive rounded canopy. The lush green foliage...

From$299.95
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
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 platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum)

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

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Why Choose a Yellow Japanese Maple?

Japanese maples are traditionally admired for their red and green leaves, but the yellow cultivars add a unique, glowing accent to any landscape. In spring, new growth emerges in shades of lime to buttery yellow, gradually maturing to rich gold as the season progresses. Some varieties even develop soft orange or red hues in autumn, creating a spectacular seasonal display. These exquisite trees are suitable for growing in garden beds, as feature trees, or even in large containers—perfect for smaller urban spaces.

Standout Yellow Japanese Maple Varieties

While true yellow leaf colour is rare in Japanese maples, keen gardeners may wish to consider related gold-foliage acers to achieve that sought-after soft golden glow. One such alternative is the Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki), which boasts beautiful variegation with creamy-yellow tones. Another excellent choice for dramatic colour is Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree), displaying vibrant golden foliage throughout spring and summer.

If your heart is set on the signature Japanese maple form, consider the Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki). This cultivar offers bright lime-yellow young growth combined with striking coral-red stems for year-round interest. Other standout gold-tone maples worth exploring include the compact, spherical Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum) and the luminous Acer negundo 'Kelly's Gold'.

Planting and Care Tips

Yellow Japanese maples grow best in sheltered sites with dappled light, as hot afternoon sun can scorch delicate foliage. A rich, free-draining soil with consistent moisture keeps these trees thriving. Mulch well to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and provide protection from strong winds, especially in exposed gardens. These acers require little pruning—simply remove any dead or crossing branches in winter to maintain shape.

Why Grow Yellow Japanese Maples in New Zealand?

Beautiful, resilient and easy to care for, yellow Japanese maples are an inspired choice for Kiwi gardeners seeking cheerful colour and refined foliage. Whether you’re adding a focal point to a contemporary courtyard, enlivening a traditional garden, or designing for smaller spaces, the bold colour and elegant form of Japanese maples never fails to impress.

Browse our collection of Japanese maples and gold-leaved acers like Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki), Acer platanoides Princeton Gold (Princeton Gold Maple Tree), and Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki) to find the perfect yellow Japanese maple for your landscape. With their luminous foliage and graceful silhouette, these trees promise to bring year-round beauty to any New Zealand garden.

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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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