Maple trees

A weeping maple from Japan, Nishiki Fountain is quite unique in the maple world. It has a strong pendulous growth habit that will hit the ground and then trail along as a ground cover! Adding to its appeal, is the stunning tones of scarlet red to orange appearing in the autumn months. All in all - Nishiki Fountain is a superb specimen for the garden. It makes a colourful and elegant showpiece in the garden, courtyard or patio pot. 

Soil: Thrives in moist but well-drained soil.
Conditions: Full sun or part shade. Frost tolerant
Size: Height 1-1.5 x width 1-1.5m

Acer rubrum October Glory, or Lipstick Maple, is spectacular in its autumnal colours. The exotic tree begins with green leaves in the spring and then displays a colour change to an exceptional dark pink/red during autumn. The undersides of the leaves join the party displaying grey in the spring to pink in the autumn. The uniform growth habit and superb autumn colour of the October Glory make it an ideal species for a specimen tree in public parks and gardens, streets and home gardens. Please note: foliage is toxic to horses.

Soil: Grows well in most soils and likes moisture.
Conditions: Full sun. Adaptable to most climates in Australia
Size: Height 13m x width 9m

Heavily curled green leaves bring remarkable texture and architectural form to Acer palmatum Shishigashira, commonly known as the Lion’s Head Maple. Its small, densely crinkled foliage emerges a rich deep green in spring and summer, creating a lush, compact canopy. As the seasons cool, the leaves transform into a striking blend of gold, rose and crimson, delivering a brilliant autumn display. Naturally upright in habit, this variety develops unusual short, stubby branches that contribute to its sculptural, almost cloud-like appearance. Slow growing and densely structured, it becomes increasingly characterful with age. Highly prized for bonsai, it is equally impressive in decorative pots, courtyards and small gardens where its strong form can be appreciated year-round. An elegant feature tree that offers structure, texture and seasonal colour in even the most compact spaces.

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil. Cultivate well before planting with compost/cow manure and mulch well after planting.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Protect from hot winds. Frost hardy when established..
Size: Height 2-3m x width 1.5-2m

The Illawarra Flame Tree is one of the most spectacular Australian native trees. The leaves are shed before flowering in late spring to summer, and the bright red bell-shaped flowers grow in glowing clusters at the end of branches- creating a glorious and riotous display. Once flowering is finished, large black, boat-shaped seed pods are produced. (It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the seed pods). The Flame Tree does not always flower annually and will put on its best display maybe only once every five years, especially after a hot dry summer. In between these times, they may only produce one or two branches of flowers on the whole tree.

Soil: Can tolerate most soils including heavy soils to rocky infertile soils.
Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Coastal, drought and light frost tolerant
Size: Height 10-40m x width 5-15m

Acer saccharum, or Sugar Maple, is a hardy, large deciduous tree prized for its pale bark, graceful pear-shaped form, and spectacular autumn colour. It develops a low-branching habit with classic, broad maple leaves that emerge fresh green in spring and transform through glowing shades of yellow, orange, and rich red in autumn. Native to the eastern regions of North America, the Sugar Maple is best suited to parklands, avenues, or spacious gardens where it has room to reach its full potential and be admired as a feature tree. Its shallow root system means it’s best planted in an area where lawn mowing beneath the canopy isn’t required.

Soil: Prefers organic material and rich soil though will grow in most soils.
Conditions: Likes full or part-sun. Is susceptible to salt, excessive heat, and leaf scorch in drought.
Size: Height 25m x width 20m

Acer palmatum Atropurpureum is a graceful, compact deciduous tree admired for its finely lobed purple-red foliage and elegant, spreading canopy. New leaves emerge rich burgundy in spring, mature to deep bronze-purple through summer, and transform into brilliant crimson in autumn, delivering striking seasonal colour and contrast. This small, dense tree has a naturally attractive form and a manageable size, making it an excellent specimen tree for courtyards, garden beds, or sheltered landscape positions. Its dramatic foliage and refined shape provide year-round interest, particularly when planted where it can be appreciated as a focal point.

Soil: Well-drained soil.

Conditions: Morning sun. Protect from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds.

Size: Height 4-8m x width 3-6m

Acer palmatum Senkaki Maple, or Coral Bark Maple, is simply stunning with its distinctive coral-red bark that contrasts with its light green leaves in spring and summer. The foliage turns a yellow buttery-gold in autumn and the winter garden display is courtesy of the striking red bark. The maple forms a beautiful vase-shaped tree and is ideal as a specimen tree, shade tree and a contrasting tree for the garden.

Soil: Moist, well-worked soil.
Conditions: Partial shade. Protect from midday heat and drying winds in warmer climates. Frost hardy.
Size: Height 5m x width 4m

Acer palmatum Sango Kaku is a well-known Japanese maple cultivar with the most unusual coral-pink young stems. This colour display teamed with the bright green spring foliage and the superb yellow to apricot autumn foliage ensures an elegant tree for the garden or park. Take care to plant the bud union above the soil level. Fertilize when planting and again after new growth appears. Prune when planting to encourage new growth.

Soil: Well-drained and well-worked soil
Conditions: Full sun to part shade, protect from hot winds. Frost hardy.
Size: Height 6m x width 5m