Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
$44.95
Potted stock available late September 2026. Direct dispatch to Eastern States & ACT. TAS via Plant Concierge. Unable to ship to WA or NT.
- Supergrade Root Ramification
- The Ultimate Bonsai Canvas
- Extraordinary Autumn Colour
- Grown On At Mittagong
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The Supergrade Standard for Bonsai and Landscape.
Acer palmatum—the Japanese Maple—is one of the most widely revered broadleaf deciduous trees in the world, celebrated for its elegant form, delicate palmate foliage, and an autumn display that cycles through spectacular shades of scarlet, orange, and gold. For the serious bonsai artist, it is the ultimate canvas. We are proud to offer this straight species allocation at a “Supergrade” classification. This means the trees exhibit above-standard root ramification and calliper development for their age. For collectors, the root system is where the future of the tree lives: superior ramification at this stage provides exceptional nebari potential, immediate options for trunk movement through young stock wiring, and a structural head start that standard nursery stock simply cannot offer. Strictly limited, field-grown and now established here at Mittagong, this represents a genuine production-quality opportunity at a price well below comparable material.
At a Glance
Pot Size: 140mm
Est. Plant Height: Approx. 100–110cm tall, measured from the base of the pot to the tip of the leader
Mature Size: 4–6m height × 4–5m spread in Australian cultivation
Growth Habit: Straight species — upright natural canopy, highly responsive to structural pruning
Style: Premium Bonsai Material / Japanese Gardens / Understorey Feature
APPROXIMATE ACTUAL PLANT SIZE: 100–110CM TALL (IN A 140MM POT)*
*Heights are measured from the base of the pot to the tip of the leader. Dispatched sizes may vary slightly with seasonal growth, but every specimen carries an established root system ready for its next stage of development.
The Acer palmatum requires no introduction to the serious horticulturalist. Native to Japan, China, and Korea, it is the undisputed cornerstone of both classical Japanese garden design and the ancient art of bonsai. What makes this specific allocation extraordinary is not just the species, but the grade. These are Supergrade specimens. In practical terms, this means they possess a calliper thickness and a density of fine root ramification that sit significantly above standard commercial grades for their age.
If you are a bonsai artist, you understand that a masterpiece is built from the ground up. This dense, field-built root structure allows for aggressive nebari development and provides the essential vigour required to handle early trunk movement, wiring and structural pruning. If you are a landscape designer, it guarantees rapid establishment in the ground, leading to faster, healthier canopy development. Supplied strictly as the vigorous straight species, this tree will reward you with unparalleled autumn colour, cycling through brilliant reds, scarlets, oranges, and golds.
These specimens were field-grown to Supergrade, lifted at full dormancy and potted on here at Mittagong. By release they will stand at roughly 100–110cm with a full season of root establishment behind them — the structural advantage of field production, without the narrow planting window that bare root demands.
- Supergrade Nebari Potential: The dense, above-standard root ramification of this grade offers bonsai artists the perfect radial foundation for developing world-class nebari.
- Highly Responsive: The straight species is incredibly vigorous, responding beautifully to techniques like pinching new growth, structural pruning, and wiring.
- Spectacular Autumn Display: A highly adaptable deciduous tree that produces an exceptionally reliable and vibrant autumn display of red, orange, and gold across most temperate climates.
- Straight Species Vigor: This is the robust straight species, not a grafted cultivar. It offers superior genetic strength, natural upright form, and faster landscape establishment.
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What does "Supergrade" actually mean?
Is this a specific named cultivar like 'Bloodgood' or 'Osakazuki'?
Can I use this stock for bonsai right away?
Can I ship this to Tasmania, Western Australia, or the Northern Territory?
What's the difference between the bare root and potted stock?
Detailed Description and Specs
The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a deciduous masterpiece belonging to the Sapindaceae family. Native to Japan, China, and Korea, it is characterised by its delicate, deeply lobed palmate leaves, elegant tiered branching, and a spectacular seasonal transition.
Our 2026 allocation represents the straight species, grown in the field to a “Supergrade” standard through our specialist grower network, then lifted at dormancy and potted on at Mittagong to establish through spring. This grade guarantees above-average root ramification and calliper thickness. While it makes a breathtaking understorey feature in the landscape — transitioning from vibrant green in summer to brilliant red, scarlet, and gold in autumn — it is truly revered by bonsai practitioners. The vigorous nature of the straight species, combined with the dense field-built root system of this grade, makes it the ultimate canvas for developing flawless nebari, applying early trunk movement, and refining fine branch ramification through pinching and structural pruning. We dispatch from Mittagong in the NSW Southern Highlands, a region free of key plant pests, allowing direct delivery to the Eastern States and the ACT without additional treatment.
Here’s why we think you’ll love the Japanese Maple:
- Species: Acer palmatum (Straight Species)
- Provenance: Japan, China and Korea. Supplied through our specialist grower network.
- Form: Upright natural habit, highly responsive to styling.
- Autumn Colour: Superb transition of red, scarlet, orange, and gold.
- Grade: Supergrade, grown on — above-standard root and calliper development, established in a 140mm container.
- Bonsai Suitability: Exceptional. Ideal for structural pruning and nebari development.
- Best For: Bonsai artists, Japanese gardens, and cool to warm temperate landscapes.
Care and Planting Guide
Whether destined for a landscape or a training pot, Acer palmatum is a highly adaptable species that thrives with thoughtful positioning and seasonal maintenance.
- Sunlight & Location (Landscape): Prefers dappled sunlight or morning sun with protection from harsh afternoon heat, which can scorch the delicate foliage. Protect from strong, hot, desiccating winds.
- Soil & Drainage: Requires well-draining, slightly acidic, humus-rich soil. It will not tolerate heavy, waterlogged clay. For bonsai, use a free-draining, structured aggregate mix (such as Akadama, pumice, and scoria).
- Watering: Needs consistent moisture during the growing season. The fine, fibrous root system should never be allowed to dry out completely, nor sit in standing water.
- Bonsai Maintenance: These arrive established in a 140mm container with the field-built root structure intact, ready for root evaluation and structural work at the appropriate point in the season. They respond excellently to spring pinching to induce fine ramification, and young branches take wire well to establish early trunk movement. For complete planting and establishment guidance, see our full guide in the Journal: How To Plant Bare Root Trees In Australia.
Shipping and Delivery
Potted Stock — Available Late September 2026
These trees are being grown on at our Mittagong nursery and will be released in late September, established and ready to plant. Join the waitlist above, and you will be notified the moment stock goes live.
Eastern States (NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, SA)
Eligible for standard shipping via our secure specialist plant freight network. We dispatch from Mittagong in the NSW Southern Highlands, in a region free of key plant pests — which lets us send most species directly to the Eastern States and the ACT without additional treatment.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmanian orders are handled through our Plant Concierge, which coordinates all Bass Strait biosecurity treatment and inspection via a licensed specialist before your plants are forwarded to you. Start your enquiry at Plant Concierge.
Western Australia & Northern Territory (WA & NT)
We are unable to ship this species to Western Australia or the Northern Territory. At 100–110cm tall, these specimens require a carton longer than the maximum permitted on the quarantine pathway to those states. If you are in WA or NT, we can help you identify a suitable alternative from our range — start an enquiry at Plant Concierge.
Lord Howe Island & Norfolk Island
We are unable to ship to Lord Howe Island or Norfolk Island under any circumstances.
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