Japanese Maple

The Allure Of The Japanese Maple

Japanese Maples are celebrated in NZ for their artistic appearance. With their finely cut leaves and graceful form, they bring a sense of peace and beauty to gardens. They come in an array of colors, including vibrant reds, oranges, and even purples, making them a standout feature in any landscape. The trees can be grown as small trees or multi-stemmed shrubs. If you have a smaller garden or are looking to create a focal point, consider a dwarf Japanese maple. These compact trees can fit into tighter spaces while still providing the aesthetic beauty of their larger counterparts. For larger gardens, the red maple or crimson queen Japanese maple can make a bold statement. Additionally, weeping varieties like the red weeping Japanese maple add a dramatic flair with their cascading branches.

Acer Crimson King

• Acer Crimson King is a medium-sized deciduous tree prized for its striking, deep maroon foliage that holds its colour throughout the summer. Its leaves lighten in colour in autumn before falling.

Acer Autumn Glory

• Acer Autumn Glory is a stunning deciduous tree. Its glossy green leaves transform into a fiery spectacle of red, orange, and gold during autumn.

Acer palmatum Bloodgood

• Acer palmatum Bloodgood is a captivating Japanese Maple prized for its vibrant, deep red-purple foliage that holds its colour throughout the seasons. It is both elegant and very popular.

Acer palmatum dissectum Viridis

• Acer Viridis, also known as the Green Japanese Maple, is a captivating deciduous tree prized for its delicate, lacy foliage and graceful weeping form. Its vibrant lime-green leaves emerge in spring, transitioning to a refreshing mid-green hue in summer before culminating in a breathtaking display of golden yellow and crimson in autumn.

Acer palmatum Deshojo

• Acer palmatum Deshojo is a captivating Japanese Maple prized for its vibrant spring foliage. Emerging in a brilliant carmine-red, the delicate, slender-pointed leaves gradually transition to a green hue with reddish edges as summer progresses. This stunning display culminates in a fiery scarlet show in autumn before the leaves fall.

Popular Dwarf Japanese Maple Varieties

The number of popular dwarf varieties of Japanese Maples in NZ is large. However, The Plant Company has rationalised this list to just the top five. These trees grow to 2.5 m tall or less.

Crimson Queen Japanese Maple

• Crimson Queen is a popular choice among the Japanese maple varieties in NZ. It beautiful weeping form and deep red foliage makes it an impressive addition to any landscape. This variety maintains its rich colours throughout the spring, summer, and autumn.

Acer palmatum Garnet

• Acer palmatum Garnet is a Red Weeping Japanese Maple. With its elegant drooping branches and vivid red leaves, it offers a graceful appearance that is perfect for creating a focal point in the garden.

Acer Shidava Gold

• Acer Shidava Gold is a captivating Japanese Maple celebrated for its luminous, golden foliage. This deciduous tree showcases vibrant lime-green leaves in spring, transitioning to a rich golden hue throughout summer. As autumn approaches, the leaves transform into a stunning display of orange and red.

Acer palmatum dissectum

• Acer palmatum dissectum is a captivating ornamental tree prized for its delicate, lacy foliage and vibrant autumn colors.

Acer Emerald Lace

• Acer Emerald Lace is a captivating Japanese Maple cultivar and features delicate, lacy foliage and vibrant seasonal transformations. The finely dissected leaves emerge with a refreshing emerald green colour during spring, deepening into a rich green in summer. As autumn approaches, the foliage ignites in a fiery display of reds and oranges

Japanese Maple Care

Providing your Japanese Maple with simple care and attention is the secret to growing amazing trees.

Planting Location and Soil Requirements

• Japanese maples thrive in well-drained soil and prefer a spot with partial shade to protect their delicate leaves from scorching sun. When planting, ensure the soil is enriched with organic matter to enhance its fertility and drainage.

Watering and Feeding

• Consistent watering is crucial, especially during the first few years after planting. Japanese maples prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Feed your maple tree in early spring with tree fertiliser. This slow-release fertiliser blend supports healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Pruning Tips

• Pruning your Japanese maple helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth. The best time to prune is during late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out dense areas to allow light and air to circulate.

Climate Considerations

• In Auckland and other parts of NZ, the mild climate is suitable for growing Japanese maples. However, it's essential to protect them from harsh winds and extreme temperatures during spring, which can damage the newly emerging foliage.

Japanese Maple Popularity in Urban Gardens

Due to their manageable size and striking appearance, Japanese maples are a popular choice for urban gardens in cities such as Auckland and Wellington or where section sizes are small. They can be planted in containers on patios or used as a small specimen tree.

The Price Of Japanese Maples

The price of Japanese maples in NZ can vary based on the tree's age, size, and variety. Dwarf and specialty varieties may cost more due to their unique characteristics and demand. They generally range from \$100 to \$500, and The Plant Company has a wide range of Japanese Maples for you to peruse.