Acer 'Summer Gold'
Best sun-tolerant specimen for gardeners seeking vibrant, year-round golden foliage.
The Acer 'Summer Gold' is a striking Japanese Maple variety celebrated for its ability to maintain vibrant golden-yellow foliage even in hot, sunny conditions where other maples might scorch. Its leaves emerge light green in spring, transition to golden yellow throughout the summer, and finish with a bright yellow hue edged in orange during the fall. This upright tree features palmate leaves and exhibits a medium growth rate, reaching a mature height of 8 to 12 feet and a spread of 15 feet. It thrives when planted in full sun to partial sun locations, offering spectacular color contrast, especially when situated near red-leafed varieties. It is suitable for zones 6 through 9.
$79.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
512
/ 1251
#512 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-25%
Below average
SKU
32020
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, year-round golden landscape color
- Urban dwellers with limited patio or container space
- Designers looking for a sophisticated, architectural focal point
Who should skip it
- Impatient growers wanting immediate, large-scale landscape impact
- Owners of gardens with harsh, direct afternoon sun
- Gardeners managing heavy clay or dry, neglected soil
Performance breakdown
Sun Tolerance
Maintains vibrant foliage without the typical scorching of other Japanese maples.
Visual Impact
Golden hues provide a striking contrast against darker garden foliage.
Seasonal Versatility
Dynamic color shifts from spring green to brilliant autumn orange-yellow.
Landscape Versatility
Compact size fits perfectly as a specimen tree or border accent.
Growth Rate
Steady, manageable development ideal for long-term garden planning.
Climate Adaptability
Reliable performance across hardiness zones six through nine.
Key Specs
SKU
32020
Genus
Acer
Species
palmatum
Variety
'Summer Gold'
Item Form
Trade Gallon (3qt)
Mature Height
12 Feet
Mature Width
15 Feet
Hardiness Zones
6 - 9
Features
- Displays brilliant golden-yellow summer foliage
- Features a distinct bright yellow and orange margin in autumn
- Excellent for specimen planting or border accents
- Vibrant color provides spectacular contrast next to darker foliage
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Acer 'Summer Gold' upon delivery. Reviewers frequently note the careful packaging ensures the plant arrives healthy and ready for planting. The primary draw is the stunning, vibrant gold foliage, which provides a dramatic focal point in the garden throughout the season. While the initial investment is noted, consumers feel the plant's unique aesthetic appeal and robust growth potential justify the price, making it a highly valued addition for serious gardeners seeking reliable, high impact design elements.
Know before you buy
Unlike many Japanese Maples that require shade, the 'Summer Gold' is specifically bred to maintain its vibrant color in full sun to partial sun conditions without leaf scorch.
This variety reaches a mature height of 8 to 12 feet with a spread of 15 feet. You should plant it at least 8 to 10 feet away from structures or other large plants to accommodate its width.
In the autumn, the foliage transitions from its summer golden-yellow to a bright, eye-catching yellow with distinct orange margins.
This tree is hardy in zones 6 through 9. If you live in a region that falls within these zones, it should thrive in your landscape.
Because of its bright foliage, it works best as a specimen plant or a border accent. It creates a striking visual contrast when planted near trees or shrubs with darker, purple, or red foliage.
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$80