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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 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 provide outstanding winter colour. The leaves develop vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and crimson during autumn, making it a superb feature tree for smaller gardens, courtyards, and containers.

From $399.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold'

Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold' is a striking Norway Maple prized for its brilliant golden yellow foliage that holds its colour through spring and summer before developing warm golden autumn tones. Its broad, rounded canopy provides excellent shade while creating a vibrant feature in larger gardens, parks, and avenues.

From $349.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 7.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
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
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 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
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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 '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
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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 platanoides 'Globosum'

Acer platanoides 'Globosum' is a compact Norway Maple renowned for its naturally rounded globe shaped canopy and lush green foliage that turns...

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...

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
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
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 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...

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 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
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
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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 '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
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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 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$249.95
Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim'

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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.

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.

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Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King' turn heads, but Acorus gramineus variegatus, Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag), and Prunus mume 'The Geisha' quietly charm the most seasoned gardeners.
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