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Everything you need to know about Japanese maples

The spectacular tree that grows anywhere. - by Hannah Hempenstall
  • 22 Jan 2021

The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a fabulous addition to any garden and will grow from 0.5m to 25m offering a splendour of colour with its distinctive-shaped leaves.

WATCH: The beautiful Japanese garden you need to see in NSW

Originally cultivated in Japan (hence the name), the striking Japanese Maple with its gnarly trunk and pretty leaves (called momiji – meaning baby hands) have been popular garden additions since the 1800s.

Where can you grow Japanese maple?

The good news is, the maple will grow pretty much anywhere in Australia as long as you know how to take care of it.

If you're in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales or South Australia Nishiki Nursery, who specialise in grafted Japanese Maples, will help you source a local supplier who can find you the right Japanese Maple tree to suit your garden.

Brindabella Gardens in Queensland has a gorgeous display and are more than happy to share their grafting and cultivating advice.

Seiryu Japanese maple tree

Weeping Japanese Maple

Getty

When to plant a Japanese maple

According to Eco Organic you can plant Japanese maple at any time of year but being deciduous it will shed its leaves in winter. Buying a maple in Autumn allows you to see the colourful leaves in full glory. 

Growing your Japanese maple

The compact root system of the Japanese maple makes it perfect for inner city courtyards as the roots won't interfere with your home's foundation. It also makes them perfect for growing in pots.

Just beware that each maple will reach a different height. One of the mid-range varieties is Seiryu which can grow up to 4 metres.

Bonsai Japanese Maple

Beautiful Bonsai

Getty

Japanese maple bonsai 

The Bonsai Society of Australia recommends pruning your Japanese maple in June once the leaves have fallen (which happens around May to mid-July).

In hotter parts of the country, Japanese maples will grow best in part shade. In cooler climates like Tasmania the maple prefers a position with good light.

Caring for your Japanese maple

The explosion of Autumn colour is what makes the Japanese maple so popular. Whether that's a bonsai or a full size Acer palmatum, they will reach their full potential if kept out of the frost and wind.

When to plant Japanese maple

Acer Palmatum - Japanese Maple

Getty

Dwarf weeping maple

Raraflora on the south coast of NSW grafts a variety of rare plants including the laceleaf and dissectum varieties of Japanese maple.

Specialsing in the weeping maple, they deliver Australia wide and prices start at $75 for a 2-4 year old tree.

Dwarf weeping maple

Dwarf Japanese Maple

Getty

Osakasuki 

As you can see from the picture below, the leaves of the Osakasuki have a vibrant colour and can be pink through to magenta, right through to deepest red. 

The colour is dependent on the conditions and climate with cooler climes producing the most vibrant shades.

Osakasuki maple

Japanese Maples grow well in pots

Getty

Bloodgood maple

Bloodgood (above) is a cultivated form of Atropurpureum. 

Like most Japanese maples, the Bloodgood is a slow growing tree sprouting 30 to 60 centimetres each year.

It will grow to full height 3-4 metres in about 15 years but can also be cultivated into a dwarf version known as Shaina.

Bloodgood Japanese Maple

Bloodgood Maple

Getty

Coral bark maple

Like most Japanese Maples, the Sango Kaku, also known as Coral Bark, grows readily alongside other maples and shrubs. 

The Coral Bark grows to a height of 6-7 metres with a beautiful spread that ranges from 5-6 metres wide.

Coral Bark Japanese Maple

Coral Bark or Sango Kaku Maple

Getty

Spectacular colours

Planting Japanese maples next to trees and shrubs with blue, green or purple foliage provides a technicolour vibe that will bring your garden to life.

Osakazuki Japanese maple

Red Japanese Maple

Getty

Red dragon maple

The Red Dragon maple which originated in New Zealand has rich purple-red lacy leaves.

The dwarf Red Dragon grows to around 60 centimetres whereas the full size version can reach almost 2 metres.

Acer Palmatum dissectum - Red Dragon maple

Red Dragon Maples leaves change colour in Autumn

Getty

You may also like:

Autumn trees

How to create a Japanese garden

Korakuen garden most beautiful garden in Japan

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Hannah Hempenstall
Hannah Hempenstall
Hannah Hempenstall is a writer, life coach and meditation facilitator based in Byron Bay.

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