Acer shirasawanum Autumn moon - Japanese Maple

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a unique variety of Japanese maple with sumptuous autumn foliage turning pink, and curiously rounded fan-shaped leaves. This small tree, with a natural habit, produces young spring foliage in soft orange-pink tones that turns chartreuse green to very bright light green in summer. The green gradually becomes tinged by more orange tones at the end of summer, ending up pink in October. Its growth is very slow, and it often forms multiple trunks, highlighting the splendour of the foliage with its admirable habit. To fully enjoy the spectacle of its metamorphosis, place it near the house or in a large container on a terrace. It is superb as a standalone in a small garden, with a Japanese or Zen, exotic or contemporary style.

Like all maples, it belongs to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae). Acer shirasawanum, from which it originates, is a distinct species of Japanese maple from Acer palmatum. It is particularly native to the mountains of Honshu and Shikoku. It is beautifully called "Full moon maple" due to the rounded shape of its leaves and their particularly luminous appearance.  This slow-growing tree can reach a height of 15m (49ft) in nature and is the origin of some very beautiful varieties such as the 'aureum' forms from which 'Autumn Moon'  descends.

'Autumn Moon' is a hardy small tree, which tolerates small amounts of limestone in the soil. Over time, it develops a bushy and rounded habit, almost as wide as it is tall. It will reach a height of about 3m (10ft) and a spread of 2.5m (8ft) at maturity. Its almost horizontal branches develop magnificent deciduous circular leaves, which can measure up to 15cm (6in) in length and 10cm (4in) in width. They are borne on red petioles and their edges are divided into 7 to 13 lobes. The colouration of the foliage is determined by sun exposure: a bright exposure is necessary, but scorching sun should be avoided. Discreet flowering takes place in April-May, depending on the climate. The yellow-green flowers, grouped in small upright clusters, produce fruits with curved wings, called samaras. The fruits are initially green before turning carmine red when ripe. This variety has smooth, grey-brown bark.

'Autumn Moon' grows best in preferably neutral to slightly acidic, cool, fertile, loose and well-drained soil, in a semi-shaded position sheltered from cold and dry winds. Compact but sculptural, it is suitable for small gardens, for ornamenting terraces and patios, as well as for large shaded rockeries. Azaleas, pieris, rhododendrons, wild camellias, and heathers will be its most beautiful companions. Combine several varieties of Japanese maple to vary the colours and structures of the foliage; the effect is always dazzling at the end of the season. Its foliage deserves to be accompanied by shades of purple that beautifully enhance it from spring to autumn: for example, choose physocarpus, dark berberis, or a purple hazel for a dazzling scene.