Japanese Maple trees are among the most cherished ornamental trees for Australian gardens, prized for their elegant form, exquisite foliage colours, and multi-season interest.
Whether planted as a striking feature tree, beneath taller trees, or nurtured in a courtyard pot, Japanese Maples can bring colour and character to a wide range of garden settings.
The Japanese Maple Tree includes species such as Acer palmatum and Acer japonicum, with cultivars of Acer palmatum being particularly popular in Australian gardens.
Japanese Maple Trees – Brilliant Autumn Foliage
Japanese Maples are best known for their spectacular autumn foliage, with colours ranging from golden yellow and orange through to brilliant reds. Their graceful shape and attractive foliage also provide plenty of interest during the rest of the year.
Japanese Maple trees are available in many forms, including large specimens, young trees, seedlings, grafted plants, dwarf varieties and weeping forms. Prices vary considerably according to the size, age and cultivar. Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’, renowned for its brilliant autumn colour, is a particular favourite.
Demand for Japanese Maples in Australia has steadily increased, and the wide range of available sizes makes it easier to find a tree suited to most gardens. Dwarf grafted varieties and smaller Japanese Maple trees are especially useful where space is limited.
Young Japanese Maple trees can be purchased by mail order, from retail stores and through specialist nurseries. Smaller trees, including approximately two-year-old plants, can start from around $25, while large, established specimens can cost $500 or more. Some Japanese Maples can also be supplied as bare-root plants during winter.
Japanese Maple Types
Japanese Maples include upright Acer palmatum forms as well as Acer palmatum dissectum, commonly known as the Dissectum or cutleaf group. “Dissectum” refers to the deeply divided leaves, which give these Japanese Maples their delicate, fern-like or feathery appearance.
There are also many variegated, dwarf, upright and weeping cultivars available, providing plenty of choice when selecting a Japanese Maple for your garden.
What Do the Japanese Call Japanese Maples?
There are two commonly used Japanese names associated with Japanese Maple trees:
- Momiji – Traditionally associated with the changing colour of leaves and autumn foliage. The word is now commonly used in reference to Maple Tree autumn colour. It can also refer to “Baby’s Hands”, describing the appearance of very young foliage.
- Kaede – Thought to be the original Japanese name associated with Japanese Maple trees. It also means “Frog’s Hands”, again referring to the shape of young foliage.
How to Grow Japanese Maple Trees
Japanese Maples can grow in both sunny and shaded conditions, but most varieties prefer some protection from hot afternoon sun and drying winds. They grow best in well-drained, humus-rich soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Until they are well established, Japanese Maple trees should be adequately watered, particularly during dry periods, and staking can help support young trees while they develop.
After two to three years, many varieties become considerably more drought-tolerant. Before planting, we recommend incorporating well-rotted compost and cow manure into the planting area approximately 3–4 weeks beforehand.
When planting, stake the tree securely and water it in thoroughly. Liquid seaweed fertiliser can also be used to encourage healthy root development.
Early autumn is an ideal time to plant Japanese Maples in many parts of Australia, as the soil is still warm enough for some root growth before winter.
Some Japanese Maple varieties are more sun-tolerant than others and are less likely to suffer leaf burn during hot weather.
Top Tips for Growing Japanese Maples
Fertiliser
The fertiliser requirements of Japanese Maple trees depend on the soil and growing conditions. In most gardens, a slow-release, all-purpose fertiliser applied in spring is suitable.
Once Japanese Maples are well established, they generally require little additional fertiliser, particularly when growing in good-quality soil with plenty of organic matter.
Planting Position
For most Japanese Maple trees, a position with afternoon shade is ideal, although the best location will depend on your climate and the particular variety.
Protection from hot afternoon sun helps reduce leaf burn and can maintain attractive foliage colour. In cooler climates, Japanese Maples can generally tolerate more sunlight.
Acer palmatum ‘Inaba Shidare’ is regarded as one of the better choices for more exposed, full-sun conditions.
Growth Rate
Japanese Maple trees are generally slow to moderate growers, although growth rates vary considerably between cultivars.
For example, Acer palmatum ‘Emerald Lace’ is considered a faster-growing variety, while Acer palmatum ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’ is notably slow-growing but highly valued for its beautiful foliage and form.
Soil
Japanese Maples perform best in rich, humus-filled, moist but well-drained soil, often described as a sandy loam.
A slightly acidic soil is generally preferred, with a pH of approximately 5.6 to 6.5. If the soil is very acidic, lime may be required. Where soil is too alkaline, adding organic matter can help improve growing conditions, although highly alkaline soils can be difficult to modify.
Good drainage is particularly important, as Japanese Maple trees do not perform well in persistently waterlogged soil.
Pruning
It is said that Japanese Maples generally require very little pruning, although some varieties especially the weeping types, do benefit from selective pruning to maintain their natural form and appearance.
For weeping and dissected varieties, it is particularly important to remove old, dead wood and thin congested growth. Carefully opening up the crown allows more light to penetrate the foliage and improves air movement through the tree. It also reveals the delicate branching structure, creating a more refined, sculptural appearance rather than allowing the tree to develop into a dense mass of foliage.
We prune our Japanese Maples during winter, when the trees are dormant and the structure of the branches is easier to see. This makes it easier to identify and remove dead wood, unwanted crossing branches and congested growth while preserving the tree’s natural form.
Pruning should be selective, with care taken to maintain the graceful shape and character of the tree. Avoid simply cutting back the outer foliage, as this can encourage dense growth on the outside of the crown and hide the attractive branching structure.
Dead, damaged or diseased branches should always be removed. With weeping Japanese Maples, thoughtful pruning over time can help develop an open, balanced and beautifully sculptural tree.
A Japanese Maple We Recommend
One of our top picks is Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’, which is unusual among the Dissectum or cutleaf group because it has an upright growth habit.
It is a hardy and robust Japanese Maple with delicate light-green foliage that develops vibrant red and orange tones in autumn. Its upright form makes it particularly useful where the delicate foliage of a cutleaf Japanese Maple is desired without the spreading habit of a typical weeping form.
Popular Japanese Maple Cultivars
Popular Japanese Maple species and cultivars include:
- Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’
- Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
- Acer palmatum ‘Senkaki’
- Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’
- Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’
- Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’
- Dwarf Japanese Maple varieties
With so many cultivars available, Japanese Maples can be selected for different garden sizes, foliage colours, growth habits and levels of sun exposure.
How to Choose the Right Japanese Maple
Choosing the right Japanese Maple starts with understanding the conditions and available space in your garden.
Consider the following:
- Space: Check the expected mature height and spread before planting.
- Sun exposure: Some Japanese Maples tolerate more sun, while others perform best with protection from hot afternoon conditions.
- Growth habit: Upright varieties provide structure, weeping forms add softness, and dwarf Japanese Maples are suited to smaller gardens and containers.
- Foliage colour: Choose from green, red, gold, variegated and changing autumn foliage, depending on the look you want to create.
- Climate: Consider your local climate when selecting a variety, particularly if summers are hot or dry.
Matching the Japanese Maple to your garden conditions will give the tree the best opportunity to establish successfully and provide years of beautiful foliage.
Japanese Maple Trees in Australian Gardens
Japanese Maple trees are attractive small ornamental trees that commonly grow to around 6 metres when mature in good conditions, although some can grow taller. Many smaller cultivars are also available, making them suitable for a wide range of gardens.
They perform particularly well in cooler climates, including Melbourne and other suitable areas extending from Perth to Sydney, as well as highland areas of Queensland.
Upright Japanese Maple cultivars typically develop an elegant, vase-like form that broadens into a graceful crown. However, it is the foliage that provides their greatest appeal. New growth can emerge in shades of green, red or gold before developing into spectacular autumn colours ranging from golden yellow and orange to deep, blazing reds.
Once established, Japanese Maples are hardy and relatively low-maintenance. They make excellent small shade trees and beautiful ornamental feature trees, adding colour, structure and seasonal interest to the garden.
Summary
Japanese Maples are versatile ornamental trees with a combination of graceful form, attractive foliage and outstanding autumn colour. With the right variety and planting position, they can be used as feature trees, small shade trees, courtyard specimens or planted beneath larger trees.
Whether you are looking for a large specimen, a compact dwarf Japanese Maple or a delicate weeping variety, there is a Japanese Maple tree to suit many Australian garden settings.
These are attractive small trees that typically grow to around 6 meters when mature in good conditions, sometimes even taller. Many smaller cultivars are also available. They grow well in cooler climates, in places like Melbourne and also in regions stretching from Perth to Sydney, as well as in the highland areas of Queensland.
The upright species and cultivars have a classic vase-like shape that widens into a broad crown. Their main attraction lies in their foliage, which starts as green, red, or gold in new growth and transitions to a range of shades from gold to blazing reds during the autumn season.
Once these plants are well-established, they are hardy and require minimal maintenance. They make excellent small shade trees and are a great ornamental feature in any garden.
You may also be interested in:
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Acer saccharum
- Acer buegerianum
- Acer japonicum vitifolium
- Acer palmatum shaina
- Acer platanoides globosum
- Acer negundo
- Acer palmatum atropurpureum
- Acer rubrum
Where To Buy Japanese Maples
WINTER HILL TREE FARM Ph: 02 4878 9193 Fax: 02 4878 9109
NSW Southern Highlands
Retail & Wholesale. Advanced trees & hedging. Grown in pots for year-round planting. 45 litre - 1000 litre available. Great range. Great Quality. Delivery available.
www.winterhill.com.au
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family business selling a large range of deciduous trees in pots 1-4m high. Crepe myrtle specialist. Includes Ornamental pears & plums, Red maples, Japanese maples, Gingko, Cercis, Ash, Birch, Crab apples, Weeping cherries, Gleditsia, Liquidambar and more. Hedging plants, evergreen trees & fruit trees.
www.adelaidetreefarm.com.au
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
Est. in 1994, we offer over 30 Varieties of quality 2nd year grafted Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) available for mail order.
www.maplesxmail.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
email [email protected]
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
111 Stanhope Road Theresa Park NSW 2570
Offering a variety of sun hardy Australian natives and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcover's and perennials from semi advanced through to super advanced and semi-mature stock.
www.downesnursery.com.au
WINTER HILL TREE FARM Ph: 02 4878 9193 Fax: 02 4878 9109
NSW Southern Highlands
Retail & Wholesale. Advanced trees & hedging. Grown in pots for year-round planting. 45 litre - 1000 litre available. Great range. Great Quality. Delivery available.
www.winterhill.com.au
email [email protected]
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
111 Stanhope Road Theresa Park NSW 2570
Offering a variety of sun hardy Australian natives and exotic trees, shrubs, groundcover's and perennials from semi advanced through to super advanced and semi-mature stock.
www.downesnursery.com.au
With a Certificate in Horticulture (Plant Propagation), active memberships in the Ferny Creek Horticultural Society and Scottish Rock Garden Club, over 30 years working in and with the nursery industry, and hands-on propagation of diverse plants while collaborating with fellow horticulturists on instructional videos (YouTube channel), this guide draws from proven, practical expertise.
Watch my playlist demos: Japanese Maples growing techniques.”
Acer palmatum dissectum Varieties
Also known as the the Fillagree Maples, deeply dissected foliage that gives a fine lacy appearance. Although many have a weeping habit, not all do. A. palmatum disectum ‘Sieryu’ being a notable exception, an upright dissected maple.
Landscaping uses are mainly as stand alone feature trees, the larger types suited to planting in lawns or the garden border.
The lower growing types are well suited to rock gardens, as well as for the general garden border and growing in containers.
- Height Ranging from very low growing dwarf forms to good small trees, height being largely dependant on variety and graft.’
- Planting Although weeping maples are said to be best in part shade, they coin fact perform better when not crowded. The foliage colour will also be better in autumn in colder climates. A good humus rich soil and a well drained position are best.
- Pruning Like most maples these lovely ornamental trees require no regular pruning, only remedial pruning to remove dead or damaged wood.
- Fertilizer In good soil, once established maples need very little fertiliser. An application of a general purpose, slow release fertiliser in spring and late summer can assist with growth.