Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ – Vibrant Golden-Orange Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum ‘Orange Dream’ is a stunning Japanese maple, prized for its luminous spring colour and elegant, compact growth habit. The finely cut leaves emerge in brilliant shades of golden yellow, flushed with vibrant orange and soft pink tones, creating a striking early-season display.
As the season progresses, the foliage gradually softens to fresh lime-green, bringing a light, airy quality to the garden through summer. In autumn, the colour returns with intensity, transforming into rich shades of golden orange and warm amber before leaf fall.
Its naturally upright, vase-shaped form makes it ideal for smaller gardens, adding height and structure without overwhelming the space. The bright foliage is particularly effective when placed against darker backgrounds, where its colour can truly stand out and shift beautifully with the changing light.
Perfect for borders, feature planting, or containers, ‘Orange Dream’ thrives in a sheltered position with partial shade, where its delicate leaves are protected from strong sun and drying winds.
Fresh, vibrant, and full of seasonal interest, Acer ‘Orange Dream’ is an exceptional choice for bringing light and warmth into the garden.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Bright golden-yellow with orange and pink tones.
Summer: Fresh lime-green foliage.
Autumn: Warm orange and amber display.
Winter: Elegant bare branching adds structure.
Key Features
Striking spring colour – Bright orange-yellow tones.
Compact habit – Ideal for smaller gardens.
Seasonal interest – Colour changes through the year.
Elegant form – Upright, vase-shaped growth.
Low maintenance – Minimal pruning required.
Perfect For
Feature planting – Eye-catching focal point.
Borders – Adds brightness and contrast.
Containers – Ideal for patios and courtyards.
Japanese-style gardens – Soft seasonal colour.
Small gardens – Manageable size and form.
Growing Tips
Sun/Position: Partial shade; protect from strong sun and wind.
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK; shelter from late frosts.
Care: Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged branches in winter.
Looks Great With
Grasses – Hakonechloa, Carex.
Evergreens – Ilex, Taxus, dark conifers.
Shade planting – Ferns, Hostas, Heuchera.
Contrasting foliage – Deep reds and dark greens for contrast.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.