Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium - A Maple Worth Making Room For

Full Moon Maple, Palmatifolium Full Moon Maple

The Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium, also known as the full moon or palmatifolium full moon maple, offers stunning, rounded foliage and a gentle presence. Its lime-green leaves glow softly in spring and summer, then shift to crimson-red in autumn.

The Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium is a deciduous Japanese maple famed for its round, palmate leaves that resemble a glowing “full moon.” Unlike many sharply divided maples, this variety offers gentle lobes with a soft, symmetrical shape. It’s a cultivar of Acer shirasawanum, prized for its elegance and vivid seasonal colour.

Although the leaves appear delicate, this full moon maple proves to be quite vigorous and hardy. New spring foliage emerges bright green, making it a delight in early garden seasons. Because it holds its shape and colour gracefully, it stands out in cottage gardens, borders, or as a potted specimen.

This Japanese maple develops into a sturdy, upright tree, reaching approximately 2–3 metres high and wide over many years. It forms a neat, rounded canopy, offering a compact presence in suburban gardens. Its structure suits small to medium-sized gardens where a shapely green feature adds calm beauty.

In spring and summer, the rounded leaves layer into a soft green dome. In autumn, this transforms into shades of crimson and red. Although it grows steadily, it retains a manageable form, making it fine for garden design schemes that require structure but not bulk.

The full moon shape of its leaves gives it a serene, almost sculptural look. Each leaf is broad, with gentle lobes that catch light beautifully. This symmetrical form sets it apart from more finely divided Japanese maples, adding a calm geometric quality.

As sunlight filters through its canopy, it creates a soft, dappled colour effect beneath. It contrasts nicely with more sharply textured plants, such as ferns or feathery grasses. That full, rounded effect makes it a perfect specimen for contemplative corners or alongside patios.

Plant this maple in partial shade to full sun. It tolerates both, but looks best with morning sun and afternoon shade, which helps avoid leaf scorch and supports the lime-green tone without washing it out in the heat.

Position it away from the harsh midday sun and strong wind. A sheltered spot near a patio, under a light canopy, or beside a modern water feature helps the area feel inviting and contained. It adapts well to various climates, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking multi-season interest.

This deciduous maple prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic compost. It tolerates loam, but avoids heavy clay or waterlogged spots. Adding compost at planting time promotes moisture retention and nutrient availability.

A layer of mulch helps hold moisture while protecting surface roots. It thrives in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Provide moisture in dry spells to support steady growth and rich leaf colour. This maple tolerates slight dryness once established, but young plants need care.

Yes! The full moon maple suits large containers or even smaller patio pots. Use a pot of at least 20–30 litres with ample drainage. Fill with a loam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 3. Position it so that new shoots avoid sun scorch in midsummer.

Water regularly, and refresh the compost every few years. Occasional root pruning will help maintain balance and health. In pots, it becomes a delightful feature on terraces, in courtyards, or as an accent near seating areas.

• Spring: Watch for buds and apply mulch to support growth. Water well as growth, begins.
• Summer: Provide water during hot spells; shade from midday sun helps maintain green leaves.
• Autumn: Foliage transforms to crimson—avoid trimming until dormancy.
• Winter: Remove fallen debris and apply mulch if the soil freezes hard or fluctuates.

Monitor soil moisture to prevent drying out during summer or spring freeze-thaw cycles. Light pruning after leaves drop helps maintain form, but heavy trimming isn’t necessary—its shape is naturally graceful.

This maple is sturdy and pest-resistant; common issues include leaf scorch in hot weather or fungal disease if air circulation is poor. Position out of strong winds and allow good space around the canopy.

Deer rarely damage their delicate foliage. Regular watering and mulch protect roots and leaves, preventing stress. Overall, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance choice for serene garden beauty.

You’ll find Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium at specialist nurseries or garden centres, often labelled full moon maple. They usually come in litre‑pot sizes or larger. Inspect for healthy roots, new growth, and strong structure. Grafted specimens offer more uniform maturity.

Ask nursery staff about pot size and planting guidance. A well-chosen tree will acclimate smoothly in your garden, giving you years of luminous canopy and autumn colour.

There’s something quietly magical about Acer shirasawanum ‘Palmatifolium’. In my garden, it’s a tree that never shouts but always draws attention—from the fresh lime leaves of spring to the slow-turning fire of autumn. I’ve placed mine near a seating area where I can appreciate its shifting tones throughout the seasons, especially on still evenings when the light filters through its rounded canopy. It doesn’t demand much—just shelter from the harshest conditions and a little care now and then—and yet it gives so much in return. Whether you’re working with limited space or want a peaceful focal point in a larger border, this full moon maple is one I genuinely recommend. It’s graceful, reliable, and quietly spectacular.

• Acer shirasawanum palmatifolium is a medium-sized Japanese maple prized for its rounded foliage and autumn blush
• It thrives in well-drained soil, partial shade to morning sun, and mulch to conserve moisture
• Suitable for ground or container, it fits small to medium garden spaces beautifully
• Regular watering, light pruning, and shelter from wind maintain its structure and colour
• Spring shoots emerge lime-green; autumn turns crisp crimson-red
• Low maintenance, pest-tolerant, and deer-resistant, this maple offers garden impact with minimal fuss
• Available from trusted nurseries; choose well-rooted specimens in larger pots

Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium is best in partial shade, in well-drained, moisture-retentive soil improved with organic matter, and prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is hardy to –20°C (–4°F) or lower, reaching 2–3 metres (6.5–10 feet) in 5–10 years. This small tree or shrub is prized for deeply cut green leaves, which provide lush spring–summer interest and turn magnificent orange, red, or yellow in autumn. It is easy to care for with a little improvement, infrequent pruning, and shelter from wind and frost.

Want to learn about other shrub varieties? Read about Acer shirasawanum Aureum here.

For more information on Shrubs for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium?

A: Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium is a deciduous Japanese maple admired for its rounded, deeply lobed foliage and refined seasonal colour. This full moon maple cultivar forms a sturdy, upright tree with a soft, lime-green canopy in spring and summer, turning vivid shades of orange, yellow, and crimson in autumn. Its foliage is notably rounded, giving it a distinctive appearance compared to other Japanese maple varieties. Slow-growing and elegant, it thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from a sheltered spot in partial shade. An excellent choice for small gardens, woodland borders, or as a specimen tree in a decorative pot.

Q: How do I care for a Full Moon Japanese Maple in the UK?

A: To care for Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium, plant it in a sheltered spot with dappled shade and protection from strong winds. While tolerant of full sun in cooler areas, its foliage may scorch in exposed locations or during periods of extreme heat. Ensure the soil is moist but well-drained and enriched with organic matter. A mulch layer helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Apply feed in early spring using a slow-release product specifically designed for ornamental trees. Avoid heavy pruning—only remove dead or congested branches while the tree is dormant. With the right conditions, this maple will thrive and provide lasting beauty.

Q: What makes the foliage of Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium special?

A: The foliage of Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium is one of its defining features. The rounded leaves emerge in spring as a bright lime green, maturing to a rich green throughout the summer. Each leaf has multiple broad lobes, creating a full, layered appearance often likened to a “full moon” shape—hence the name. As autumn arrives, the leaves transform dramatically, displaying shades of golden yellow, orange, and crimson, depending on the climate and growing conditions. This seasonal colouration adds dynamic interest and makes the tree a treasured addition to ornamental gardens, especially when planted in a location where the foliage can be admired up close.

Q: Can Acer shirasawanum ‘Palmatifolium’ be grown in a pot?

A: Yes, this full moon maple is well suited to growing in large containers, particularly in small gardens or patios. Select a sturdy pot with ample drainage and fill it with a well-draining compost mix, preferably supplemented with organic matter. Position the container in a sheltered area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, and a springtime feed with a balanced slow-release product will encourage healthy growth. Repot every few years to prevent root congestion, and refresh the compost layer with mulch to conserve moisture and support overall vitality.

Q: How hardy is Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium in the UK climate?

A: Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium is a hardy, slow-growing Japanese maple well adapted to most parts of the UK. Though cold-tolerant, young plants may benefit from some protection in their first winter, particularly in exposed or frost-prone areas. Avoid planting in locations where late spring frosts may damage new leaves. This sturdy upright tree is relatively heat- and sun-tolerant compared to other Japanese maples, but still appreciates some shade and shelter for optimal foliage quality and colouration.

Q: Does Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium require pruning?

A: Minimal pruning is required for Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium, as it naturally maintains a graceful, upright form. Light pruning can be done in late summer to remove any dead, damaged, or poorly placed branches. Avoid pruning in winter or early spring, as this may lead to excessive sap bleeding. Shaping is rarely necessary, and over-pruning can disrupt the rounded canopy that gives this maple its ornamental charm. If grown in a container, occasional root pruning every few years may be needed to maintain vigour and prevent the tree from becoming pot-bound.

Q: How large does Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium grow?

A: This full moon Japanese maple is relatively slow-growing, typically reaching 2 to 3 metres in height over time, with a similar spread. Its upright habit and rounded foliage create a balanced, architectural shape ideal for garden borders or as a stand-alone specimen. Its modest size and non-invasive root system make it particularly suitable for small gardens or courtyard spaces. The growth rate of Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium may vary depending on soil, light, and climate conditions, but with proper care, it offers enduring beauty without overwhelming the garden landscape.

Q: Where can I buy Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium in the UK?

A: Acer shirasawanum Palmatifolium is readily available from reputable UK garden centres, tree nurseries, and specialist online retailers. You’ll often find this elegant full moon maple offered in a range of pot sizes, making it easy to choose one suited to your space and budget. When purchasing, look for well-formed, healthy specimens with good structure and no signs of stress. Ordering online can provide access to a wider range of cultivars, while local nurseries offer the advantage of seeing the plant in person before you buy.