Variegated Full Moon Maple

Variegated Full Moon Maple (Acer sieboldianum 'Kumoi nishiki')

Variegated Full Moon Maple (Acer sieboldianum 'Kumoi nishiki') is a compact ornamental maple prized for its rounded, full moon style leaves and distinctive variegation that adds a bright, decorative look from spring through fall. The foliage typically shows a mix of green with creamy white markings, creating a layered, painterly effect that makes the plant feel intentionally styled even when the garden is not in bloom. Its refined branching and manageable size make it easy to place near patios, entry gardens, and smaller beds where you can appreciate the leaf detail up close. As temperatures cool, the foliage can pick up warm tones, adding a subtle autumn finish before the branching structure carries the look into winter. If you want a small focal point tree that delivers season-long leaf interest, Variegated Full Moon Maple is an excellent choice.

Distinctive Features

The signature trait is the variegated foliage, with irregular creamy markings that brighten the canopy and create contrast against darker evergreens and green shrubs. The leaf shape is rounded and deeply lobed, giving the canopy a fuller, softer texture than many Japanese maples with narrow or finely cut leaves. Branching is typically layered and graceful, providing a sculptural silhouette that still looks attractive when bare. Because variegated leaves can be more sensitive to harsh sun and wind, this tree performs best in a protected spot with gentle light and consistent soil moisture.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Part shade is ideal; morning sun with afternoon shade helps protect variegated foliage and reduce scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil; slightly acidic to neutral is ideal.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7.
• Habit: Deciduous small tree with a rounded, mounded form and layered branching.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 12 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a specimen where variegated leaves can brighten the garden and draw the eye.
• Courtyard and Patio Gardens: Place where the leaf detail can be enjoyed up close in everyday living spaces.
• Woodland Edge Accent: Add light-catching foliage along lightly shaded edges and under open canopies.
• Container Feature: Use in a large container for a refined, collector-style patio focal point.
• Evergreen Contrast Planting: Pair with dark conifers or hedges to make the variegation look sharper and more defined.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first one to two seasons; maintain even moisture for best foliage quality, especially in summer.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter to remove crossing branches and refine structure; avoid heavy pruning.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid overfertilizing, which can push soft growth and reduce leaf quality.
• Site Selection: Protect from harsh afternoon sun and drying wind to reduce leaf scorch and keep variegation crisp.

Why Choose Variegated Full Moon Maple?

• Distinctive Variegation: Cream and green foliage brings season-long contrast without relying on flowers.
• Rounded Leaf Texture: Full moon style leaves create a lush, refined canopy in a compact size.
• Perfect Small-Scale Focal Point: Adds a high-end ornamental look without requiring a large space.
• Refined Form: Layered branching provides structure and a sculptural silhouette through the seasons.
• Easy to Design With: Pairs beautifully with evergreens, shade perennials, and clean hardscape lines.

If you want a compact ornamental maple with rounded leaves and standout variegation that elevates shaded garden spaces, Variegated Full Moon Maple delivers refined texture and focal point presence in a landscape-friendly form.