Tree
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Traits
Varieties We Carry
BloodgoodAcer palmatumEnglish LaceAcer palmatumViridisAcer palmatum
Sizes & Pricing
7 galFrom$135.00
15 galFrom$200.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size12-20 feet × 15-20 feet
About Japanese Maple
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a graceful, deciduous tree native to Japan and Korea, celebrated for its deeply lobed, palmate leaves that emerge in vivid shades of red, green, or purple. Foliage turns brilliant orange, red, or gold in autumn before leaf drop. Hundreds of cultivars offer a wide range of leaf forms, sizes, and colors for specimen or container use. Starting at $135.00.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in partial shade with protection from hot afternoon sun — in NE Florida's zone 9b heat, an east-facing exposure or dappled shade under tall trees is essential to prevent leaf scorch.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained; water deeply during dry spells and apply 3–4 inches of mulch over the root zone (kept away from the trunk) to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature in Florida's heat.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in moist, acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), well-drained soil amended with compost. Fertilize lightly in spring with a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer; avoid heavy feeding, which promotes lush growth susceptible to scorch.
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Common questions
Is Japanese Maple a good plant for St. Augustine?
Japanese Maple is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 12-20 feet × 15-20 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.