Acer Coonara Pygmy - Bare-Rooted

Acer palmatum Coonara Pygmy is a compact, dome-shaped Japanese maple prized for its fine, deeply divided foliage and outstanding seasonal colour. Leaves emerge soft green in spring, deepen over summer, then transform into vivid tones of pink, red, and orange in autumn. Its naturally dense, mounding habit makes it ideal for smaller spaces or feature planting.

Thriving in part shade with well-drained, slightly acidic soil, Coonara Pygmy is perfect for Japanese-style, courtyard, and woodland gardens. It benefits from protection from strong wind and afternoon sun to maintain foliage quality. At maturity, it forms a low, rounded shrub reaching approximately 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, offering soft texture and brilliant autumn colour in a compact form.

 

What is a bare-rooted tree?

Bare-rooted trees are deciduous trees that have been grown in the ground and are dug up when they've become dormant in the winter. The soil is shaken from their roots and they are bundled up with their roots packed in moist material to prevent dehydration during transport. 

What are the benefits? 

  • Less packaging and plastic waste involved in growing process and transportation. 
  • Plant has more root mass as the roots have not been constricted and twisted by a pot.
  • They are easier to carry and plant as they are extremely lightweight.
  • Bare-rooted trees are cheaper as they do not come with soil and pots. 
  • Planting bare-rooted trees in the winter follows the natural pattern of the seasons. 

Trimming: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or congested branches and to refine its natural dome shape. Avoid heavy pruning and do not cut back in late summer or autumn to prevent frost-sensitive regrowth.

Fertilising: Apply a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support compact growth and vibrant seasonal colour, especially in nutrient-poor soils.

Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, particularly during dry spells and warmer months. Water deeply during establishment and avoid both waterlogging and prolonged dryness to prevent stress-related leaf scorch.

Pest Control: Generally pest-resistant, though aphids or scale may occasionally appear on young growth. Monitor in spring and treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if necessary.

Disease Management: Susceptible to root rot and leaf scorch in poorly drained or overly exposed sites. Ensure free-draining soil, protect from harsh sun and wind, and maintain steady watering to support healthy foliage and seasonal performance.

Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.

For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:

  • Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
  • Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
  • Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options. 

We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.

From nursery to your doorstep