Autumn Moon Full Moon Maple

Autumn Moon Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon')

Autumn Moon Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon') is a stunning small tree celebrated for its brilliant golden-orange foliage and refined form. A standout among Japanese maples, this cultivar offers luminous color throughout the growing season, not just in fall. Bred for increased sun tolerance and vibrant tones, 'Autumn Moon' combines the elegant leaf shape of full moon maples with fiery color shifts that intensify as the season progresses. It�s a compact focal point that brings energy and sophistication to any landscape.

Distinctive Features

'Autumn Moon' typically grows 8 to 12 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded, upright silhouette with layered branching. Its rounded, deeply lobed leaves emerge in spring with a glowing golden-orange hue, developing coral and rose overtones through summer. In fall, the foliage deepens to rich shades of orange, rust, and crimson. Unlike many other Japanese maples, it can tolerate more sun without leaf scorch, especially in cooler regions. The tree�s dense canopy and sculptural structure make it ideal for close-up viewing in courtyard gardens or near entryways where its colors can be fully appreciated.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best color in morning sun with afternoon protection in hotter zones.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; keep consistently moist, especially during dry spells or in sunnier exposures.
• Humidity: Performs well in moderate humidity; protect from prolonged drought or hot, dry wind.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�7; hardy enough for many northern landscapes with proper siting.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Year-round form and changing color make it a centerpiece in small landscapes.
• Court Gardens and Entryways: Perfect for areas where its bold foliage can be admired up close.
• Japanese-Style Landscapes: Complements stones, water, and evergreens in serene garden settings.
• Mixed Borders: Adds contrast and color among shade-tolerant shrubs and perennials.
• Containers: Grows well in large containers where roots are protected and conditions are controlled.

Low Maintenance Care

Autumn Moon is low maintenance when planted in the right location. Proper watering and protection from afternoon sun in warmer climates help preserve the vibrancy of its foliage throughout the season.

• Watering: Maintain even soil moisture, especially in summer; mulch to conserve water and regulate temperature.
• Pruning: Rarely needed; prune in late winter only to shape or remove damaged wood.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring if growth appears weak.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally free of major issues; monitor for aphids or scale in warm, humid climates.
• Winter Care: Fully hardy in Zones 5�7; protect roots with mulch in exposed or windy sites.

Why Choose Autumn Moon Full Moon Maple?

Autumn Moon offers vibrant color well beyond autumn, adding warmth and movement to shaded and semi-sunny gardens. Its compact form, sun tolerance, and rare foliage coloration make it a favorite among collectors and designers alike.

• Multi-Season Color: Bright golden-orange foliage with pink and coral overtones lasts from spring through fall.
• Compact and Manageable: Ideal size for smaller gardens, containers, and close-up display.
• Sun Tolerant: Handles more sun than many other Japanese maple varieties without scorching.
• Elegant Structure: Layered branches and rounded canopy offer sculptural appeal year-round.
• Refined Texture: Rounded, lobed leaves bring softness and motion to planting schemes.

With brilliant foliage from spring through fall and a compact, sculptural habit, Autumn Moon Full Moon Maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon') is a standout specimen for refined landscapes and collectors seeking uncommon beauty.