Acer palmatum ‘Summer Gold’ – Elegant Golden Japanese Maple with Graceful Form
Acer palmatum ‘Summer Gold’ is a stunning deciduous Japanese maple prized for its vibrant golden-yellow foliage and refined, elegant shape. Unlike many golden maples, this variety holds its bright colour well throughout the summer without scorching, especially when planted in a sheltered position. Its compact size and delicate, finely cut leaves make it a beautiful focal point in gardens, courtyards, and containers, bringing light and warmth to the landscape.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
Bright golden-yellow leaves emerge, often with subtle orange or peach tones as they first unfold.
Summer:
Foliage matures to a rich clear yellow-gold, providing a luminous presence that brightens borders and shaded areas.
Autumn:
Leaves transform into vibrant shades of orange, red, and amber, delivering a spectacular autumn display.
Winter:
After leaf fall, the tree’s delicate branching structure creates graceful architectural interest.
Structure & Form
Growth Habit: Upright, gently spreading habit with elegant, layered branching typical of Japanese maples.
Height & Spread: Typically grows 3–4m tall with a spread of around 2–3m, making it perfect for smaller gardens and feature planting.
Foliage: Finely cut, palmate leaves in vibrant golden-yellow tones that hold their colour well throughout the growing season.
Flowers: Small, reddish-purple flowers may appear in spring but are generally subtle.
Fruit: Decorative red samaras may develop later in the season, adding further ornamental interest.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
Feature Tree: Ideal as a focal point in borders, lawns, or courtyard gardens.
Japanese & Contemporary Gardens: Perfect for adding elegance and colour to tranquil, structured planting schemes.
Containers & Patios: Its manageable size makes it well suited to large containers and patio planting.
Lightening Shaded Areas: The bright foliage helps illuminate darker corners of the garden.
Growing Conditions & Care
Position: Thrives in partial shade or dappled sunlight, ideally sheltered from strong winds and intense afternoon sun.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Hardiness: Fully hardy but benefits from a sheltered location to protect delicate foliage.
Maintenance: Very low-maintenance; minimal pruning is needed, mainly to remove dead or crossing branches.
Watering: Requires consistent moisture during establishment and in dry periods, especially when grown in containers.
Why Choose Acer palmatum ‘Summer Gold’?
Striking Golden Foliage: Bright yellow leaves provide long-lasting colour throughout the season.
Compact & Elegant: Ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, and containers.
Excellent Autumn Colour: Transforms into vibrant oranges and reds in autumn.
Graceful Structure: Delicate branching adds year-round ornamental value.
Ideal Plant Combinations
Pair with dark-leaved plants such as Heuchera or Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ to highlight the golden foliage.
Combine with Hostas, Ferns, or Hakonechloa grasses for a soft, layered woodland effect.
Plant alongside Evergreen shrubs like Taxus or Ilex to create year-round structure and 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.
