We're offering you a Acer Shirasawanum Moonrise Standard for £32.99, saving you up to 34% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £49.99 (correct as of 25.11.2025).

Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise' – The Japanese Maple with Year-Round Drama

Elevate your garden with the Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise', a sought-after Japanese maple renowned for its exceptional foliage and easy-care nature. This deciduous small tree or large shrub belongs to the Acer family and brings a unique architectural presence to gardens of all sizes.

• Seasonal Spectacle: Watch palmately lobed leaves emerge fresh lime green in spring, shifting to rich golden hues and finally turning vibrant red by autumn. Enjoy a living tapestry of colour throughout the seasons.
• Flexible Placement: 'Moonrise' thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for mixed borders, containers, or as a striking focal point on patios.
• Biodiversity Booster: Its dense canopy provides shelter for birds while attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, helping support your local ecosystem.

Growing Guide & Care Tips

• Height & Spread: Reaches approximately 2–3 metres tall with a similar spread over 10–20 years, forming an upright, bushy habit.
• Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained acidic to neutral soil. Avoid waterlogged sites; mulch annually to retain moisture.
• Sun/Shade: Grows best in dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Tolerates full sun in cooler regions but protect from harsh midday rays in hotter areas to prevent leaf scorch.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy in UK gardens (RHS H5), tolerating winter lows down to -15°C.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning required—remove dead or damaged wood in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
• Fertilising: Feed annually with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring; avoid high-nitrogen feeds which can encourage weak growth.

Design & Planting Ideas

• Perfect Companions: Underplant with shade-loving ferns, hostas, or spring bulbs for layered texture.
• Cottage Gardens: Mix with other acers, camellias, or rhododendrons for vibrant woodland borders.
• Pots & Patios: Grow in large containers for dramatic impact on terraces or balconies—just ensure good drainage!

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant?
  The ideal planting period is autumn through early spring when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
• How fast does 'Moonrise' grow?
  This variety has a moderate growth rate, reaching mature height over 10–20 years—perfect for long-lasting garden displays.
• What soil is best for Japanese maples?
  Acer shirasawanum prefers acidic to neutral, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mulching helps retain moisture and protect roots.