Acer 'Orange Dream'
Best ornamental tree for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, year-round landscape color.
The Acer 'Orange Dream' Japanese Maple is a stunning ornamental tree, celebrated for its vibrant foliage that transforms throughout the seasons. Emerging chartreuse with orange-red edges in spring, the leaves mature to green in summer before igniting into a rich persimmon-red in fall. This grafted variety is exceptionally tough and long-lived, offering year-round interest. It thrives in heat and humidity, making it ideal for specimen, accent, or foundation planting in well-drained, acidic soils. Its slow growth and manageable size make it an elegant addition to any landscape.
$79.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1209
#7 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-25%
Below average
SKU
49061
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, multi-seasonal visual interest
- Urban dwellers with limited patio or container space
- Landscapers needing a dependable, low-maintenance focal point
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions with intense, direct afternoon sun
- Homeowners with heavy clay or poorly draining soil
- Beginners wary of managing delicate plant health issues
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Visual Impact
Dynamic foliage shifts provide a dramatic, multi-season color display.
Climate Resilience
Superior heat and humidity tolerance expands its viable planting range.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth and hardy constitution minimize the need for pruning.
Landscape Versatility
Compact mature size fits perfectly into foundation or specimen garden spots.
Structural Integrity
Grafted cultivation ensures a robust, long-lived specimen for your landscape.
Establishment Requirements
High water needs demand consistent moisture during the initial growth phase.
Key Specs
SKU
49061
Genus
Acer
Species
palmatum
Mature Height
30 Feet
Mature Width
18 Feet
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Item Form
Trade Gallon (3qt)
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Features
- Dynamic seasonal foliage color changes
- Excellent heat and humidity tolerance
- Grafted for superior quality
- Extremely tough and long-lived
- Year-round foliage interest
- Adaptable to various soils
- Ideal for specimen planting
- Virtually care-free maintenance
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the exceptional quality and striking design of the 'Orange Dream' maple. Reviewers frequently note the plant's robust health and careful packaging upon arrival, indicating Wayside Gardens' commitment to superior specimens. The vibrant, unique orange and yellow foliage is the primary draw, exceeding expectations for color intensity and providing a stunning focal point in the garden. While the price point is premium, the perceived quality and aesthetic impact justify the investment for most buyers seeking a distinctive, high performing ornamental tree.
Know before you buy
At maturity, this tree reaches a height of 30 feet and a width of 18 feet. Because of its size, ensure you plant it in a location with enough clearance to allow for its full spread.
This variety performs best in partial shade. While it is more heat-tolerant than many other Japanese Maples, it still appreciates protection from the intense afternoon sun to keep its foliage looking its best.
It thrives in well-drained, acidic, loamy soil. If your native soil is heavy or alkaline, you may need to amend it to ensure proper drainage and the correct pH balance for optimal growth.
The 'Orange Dream' has high water needs, especially while it is establishing its root system. Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful to avoid waterlogged conditions, as good drainage is essential.
Yes, it is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. This makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of climates, though it will lose its leaves in the winter as it is a deciduous species.
This is a slow-growing variety, which makes it a manageable choice for many landscape designs. Its deliberate growth rate means it won't quickly outgrow its space or require frequent, heavy pruning.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$80