Full moon maple
Acer shirasawanum · Sapindaceae
📷 André Abrahami · CC BY-SA 2.5
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around full moon maple and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Acer shirasawanum
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to May, small red-purple flowers
- Adult size
- 8 m tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -20 °C
- Origin
- Japan (endemic to central mountains)
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Acer shirasawanum is a small tree that requires minimal intervention. Give it rich, cool soil and dappled shade during summer.
The common mistake
Letting the soil dry out in summer: foliage gets scorched, color fades, and growth stops dead.
The pro's trick
Mulch generously at planting time (minimum 8 cm) and keep that mulch going all year round—summer and winter: this regulates root temperature and cuts watering needs dramatically.
Care
Light exposure
Place this maple in partial shade or dappled light. Excessive direct sunlight, particularly in the afternoon, can scorch the foliage and diminish the beautiful autumn colors. Conversely, full shade slows growth and reduces leaf coloration.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, without waterlogging. During the growing season (spring-summer), increase frequency in hot, dry weather. In winter, reduce watering but don't let the soil dry out completely.
Soil preparation
Prepare a substrate rich in organic matter, well-drained and slightly acidic. Incorporate compost or ericaceous soil at planting time. Good drainage is essential to prevent root suffocation during wet periods.
Pruning and structure
Prune lightly after leaf fall to maintain natural form and remove diseased or crossing branches. Avoid drastic cuts that weaken the tree. Gentle pruning in autumn or early spring is sufficient.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when growth resumes. One annual application is enough for this maple. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizers that promote rapid growth at the expense of autumn coloring.
Health and prevention
This maple is generally robust. Watch for powdery mildew in warm, humid weather and remove affected leaves. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Acer shirasawanum is endemic to Japan and named after botanist Shirasawa who discovered it. This maple is particularly prized in Japanese gardens for its palmate leaves that turn a brilliant red in autumn, creating a spectacular display of colors. It's one of the most sought-after maples by collectors of dwarf varieties and fascinating forms.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
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- Norway mapleAcer platanoides
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- Marronnier dindeAesculus hippocastanum
- Box elderAcer negundo
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.