Deciduous And Flowering Trees
‘Autumn Moon’ Shirasawa maple
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'
‘Autumn Moon’ Shirasawa maple is a slow-growing, deciduous small tree with a rounded, bushy crown. Its greenish-yellow spring leaves carry pinkish tones; in brighter light, foliage can develop orange tones before turning orange-red in fall. A regional estimate places mature plants at about 15 feet tall and 18 feet wide, so give the crown room even when a young plant seems compact. Near a patio or within an open understory, it offers foliage color without demanding a large-tree setting. In Southwest Washington, choose light to open shade with afternoon protection, moist, well-drained acidic or neutral soil, and regular summer water.
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Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' in Auckland Botanic Gardens 03.jpg
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At a glance
- Mature height
- About 15 ft
- Mature spread
- About 18 ft
- Light
- Light to open shade; afternoon shade
- Hardiness
- H6 (UK hardiness rating)
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The rounded crown can serve as a small specimen near a patio or in an open understory planting. Plan around its mature width when choosing a site.
Where to plant
Choose light to open shade with afternoon protection. Leave room for the crown to spread without crowding nearby plants or paths.
Through the seasons
Pinkish tones accompany the greenish-yellow leaves in spring. Brighter light can bring out orange tones, followed by orange-red fall color.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
This cultivar is recommended for maritime Pacific Northwest gardens. In Southwest Washington, give it afternoon shade and regular summer water.
Soil, drainage & water
Acidic or neutral soil is suitable if it holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. Keep up with watering during dry summer weather.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Water regularly through summer, especially during dry periods. Little or no pruning is generally needed.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Leaf scorch
Brown, dry leaf margins.
Help your plant thrive
Water the root zone during dry periods. Avoid excess fertilizer, root damage, and soil compaction.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', 1 - geograph.org.uk - 6785425.jpg
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Lion's head Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'
Crinkled green foliage and an upright, sculptural outline distinguish this slow-growing Japanese maple, with gold, orange, and red autumn color in a sheltered garden.
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Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
A versatile small tree with hand-shaped leaves, varied branching, and colorful autumn foliage; choose each species-grown Japanese maple for its individual form and character.
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Garnet Japanese maple
Acer palmatum 'Garnet'
Finely cut red foliage drapes over a broad, mounded framework, making 'Garnet' a colorful specimen for sheltered patios, garden edges, and generously sized beds.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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