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moonrise japanese maple

Breathtakingly beautiful and a true standout in any garden, the Moonrise Japanese Maple is a favourite among New Zealand plant lovers seeking a vibrant, easy-care tree. Known botanically as Acer shirasawanum 'Moonrise', this remarkable maple adds a lively burst of colour throughout the seasons, making it a prized specimen for both experienced gardeners and newcomers looking to elevate their outdoor spaces.

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a standout Japanese maple admired for its glowing apricot and orange toned foliage that brings warmth and vibrancy to New Zealand gardens. New leaves emerge soft yellow and peach before deepening into rich orange with green highlights over summer, then transforming into vivid autumn colours. Its elegant branching and tidy form make it ideal for feature planting, pots, and sheltered courtyards. This variety offers year round appeal and is perfect for gardeners seeking a colourful and refined ornamental tree.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki)

Acer palmatum Senkaki is a stunning Japanese Maple or Coral Bark Maple due to its striking and delicate foliage. Small, soft looking leaves emerge yellow-green in spring with reddish margins. They mature to a light green in summer before turning spectacular shades of yellow in autumn before falling. It grows with an upright and vase shape to about 6 m tall and 4 m wide. Acer Senkaki makes for a magnificent specimen and is ideal for including in a mixed planting, planting to soften a bland wall, maintaining in a container or courtyard garden, planting to border an entrance, or for using anywhere the spectacular colours can be enjoyed.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum)

Acer platanoides Globosum is a deciduous tree grown for its lush foliage and stunning form. It produces a symmetrical and rounded head of mid-green...

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Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki)

Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki is a stunning Japanese Maple due to its delicate foliage and small stature. Small and soft looking leaves emerge...

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Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

Acer rubrum Brandywine is an outstanding deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and striking autumn colours. It features lush, mid-green foliage...

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Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki' is a highly regarded Japanese maple famous for producing some of the most intense scarlet red autumn colour of any maple...

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Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

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Acer palmatum Atropurpureum elegant specimen tree.
Acer palmatum Atropurpureum

Acer palmatum Atropurpureum is one of the most popular Japanese maples, prized for its deep purple red foliage and elegant branching habit. This...

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Acer rubrum 'Bowhall' specimen trees with orange, autumn foliage.
Acer rubrum 'Bowhall'

Acer rubrum 'Bowhall' is a stunning, upright form of the red maple that delivers vibrant seasonal colour and elegant structure to New Zealand...

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An Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange foliage.
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple)

Acer saccharum, commonly known as the Sugar Maple, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its bright autumn foliage and fabled maple syrup. The leaves...

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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.
Acer 'Stella Rossa'

Acer 'Stella Rossa' is a striking Japanese Maple valued for its finely dissected deep red foliage and elegant cascading growth habit. The rich...

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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is one of the most admired Japanese Maples, prized for its finely dissected deep red foliage and graceful...

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Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake'

Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its narrow strap like deep red foliage that creates a bold architectural effect...

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Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' tree with fine green foliage tinged with purple.
Acer 'Crimson Princess'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its deeply cut, cascading burgundy foliage that intensifies through the...

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An Acer buergerianum specimen tree.
Acer buergerianum

Acer buergerianum, commonly known as the Trident Maple, is a striking deciduous tree admired for its distinctive three-lobed leaves and brilliant...

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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' is a graceful Japanese Maple prized for its finely dissected bright green foliage and elegant cascading form. The...

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Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

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Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple) specimen tree in autumn with orange and yellow foliage.
Acer saccharinum

Acer saccharinum, commonly known as the Silver Maple, is a deciduous tree that is grown for its tidy form and colourful autumn foliage. The lush and...

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Acer 'Autumn Glory'

Acer 'Autumn Glory' is a magnificent deciduous maple renowned for its exceptional autumn colour and attractive rounded canopy. The lush green foliage...

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Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a unique Japanese Maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and upright growth habit. Unlike many laceleaf maples...

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Acer 'Shindeshojo'

Acer 'Shindeshojo' is a spectacular Japanese Maple celebrated for its brilliant bright red foliage in early spring. The vivid colour gradually...

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Acer 'Asahi Zuru' green and white variegated foliage.
Acer 'Asahi Zuru'

Acer 'Asahi Zuru' is a stunning Japanese Maple known for its delicate, variegated leaves that blend pink, white, and green tones. In autumn, the...

From$24.95
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Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg'

Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its deeply cut rich purple red foliage and distinctive curled leaf edges. The...

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Acer palmatum Ukon

Acer palmatum 'Ukon' is a distinctive Japanese Maple admired for its unusual lime green foliage that brings fresh colour to the garden. New leaves...

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Acer 'Jeffersred' trees with red foliage in a street planting.
Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred'

Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred' is a striking deciduous maple valued for its strong upright form and outstanding autumn colour. This fast growing tree...

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Acer 'Orangeola'

Acer 'Orangeola' is a stunning weeping Japanese Maple admired for its finely cut foliage that emerges bright orange red in spring. The leaves mature...

From$349.95
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Acer negundo 'Violaceum'

Acer negundo 'Violaceum' is an attractive deciduous maple valued for its distinctive purple tinted young growth and fresh green foliage. The new...

From$399.95
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

From$349.95
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Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly...

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acer-rubrum-1
Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum (Red Maple) is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its outstanding autumn colour and graceful growth habit. The fresh green foliage...

From$349.95
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Acer 'Emerald Lace'

Acer 'Emerald Lace' is a graceful laceleaf Japanese Maple admired for its finely divided soft green foliage and elegant cascading form. The delicate...

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Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, or related Categories - Maple Tree. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like golden full moon japanese maple, and full moon japanese maple.

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What Makes the Moonrise Japanese Maple Unique?

The Moonrise Japanese Maple sets itself apart with uniquely vibrant foliage. In spring, the new leaves emerge a fresh, rosy pink, maturing to a glowing chartreuse green with warm orange highlights as the season progresses. Come autumn, the leaves transition to luminous shades of gold and crimson, ensuring year-round interest. Its sturdy, upright habit and compact size (reaching about 2 to 3 metres over time) make it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, feature pots, or as a colourful focal point in mixed borders.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Moonrise Japanese Maple

This maple is more sun-tolerant than many other Japanese maples, happily thriving in dappled shade to full sun positions. It prefers rich, well-draining soil and benefits from regular moisture, particularly during dry spells. The Moonrise Japanese Maple is low-maintenance, requiring only minimal pruning to maintain its lovely shape, and is generally resistant to pests and diseases. For the happiest tree, protect it from harsh wind and hot afternoon sun, especially in more exposed New Zealand gardens.

Design Ideas: Stunning Companions for Your Maple

The Moonrise Japanese Maple shines both as a standalone feature and alongside other ornamental maples. For a striking combination of colours and forms, consider pairing it with other maples such as the softly glowing Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' or the classic Acer Amoenum (Acer palmatum Amoenum). For pops of scarlet bark and delicate foliage, Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki) or the flamboyant Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki) offer exceptional contrast. For those seeking a structural, spherical tree, Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum) is a remarkable addition to formal or contemporary spaces.

Planting and Care Tips

For the best results, plant your Moonrise Japanese Maple in autumn or early spring while the weather is mild. Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball and mix in organic compost to boost drainage and nutrients. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid piling mulch against the trunk. Feed annually with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, and water well during extended dry spells to keep the foliage vibrant.

Where to Add Moonrise Japanese Maple in Your Garden

This maple suits almost any garden style, from traditional cottage spaces to modern, low-maintenance landscaping. Use Moonrise Japanese Maple as a welcoming courtyard tree, a colourful feature near your entrance, or as an integral part of a Japanese-inspired garden theme. Its compact nature also makes it perfect for large patio containers.

Looking to expand your collection? Explore our range of unique ornamentals, including Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' and Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki (Acer Hanami Nishiki), for even more colour, structure and year-round beauty in your New Zealand garden.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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