Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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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'

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.

Buy Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

From $382.61

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

Acer Amoenum (Acer palmatum Amoenum)

Acer palmatum Amoenum is a variety of the commonly known, Japanese Maple, and is grown for its rich display of colourful foliage. Leaves on this medium-sized, deciduous tree emerge light green-yellow in spring, age to dark green, then develop brilliant shades of red in autumn before falling. It grows with a broad crown to about 10 m tall and 8 m wide. Acer Amoenum makes for a magnificent and colourful specimen and is well suited to avenue planting.

Buy Acer Amoenum (Acer palmatum Amoenum)

From $391.14

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 8.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Avenues, Parks, Ponds, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese

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.

Contact us

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.