What soil does Full moon maple grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Is Full moon maple hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Full moon maple be planted?

Plant it at least 4 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Full moon maple flower?

Flowering: April–May, red, purple.

How much water does Full moon maple need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Full moon maple

Acer shirasawanum

Full moon maple (Acer shirasawanum) is a shrub. Light: part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low.

Illustration of Full moon maple — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slow-growing, bushy Japanese maple with round, fan-like leaves of 9 to 13 lobes; its best-known cultivar, 'Aureum', opens golden yellow in spring, turns yellow-green by summer and colours orange-red in autumn. It needs part shade and shelter in humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil that drains well yet never dries out, because the leaves burn in hot sun and wind. A fine specimen for a small garden, a shady front garden or a large tub, and it hardly needs pruning.

Watch out for

In Central Europe summer heat, strong sun and hot dry wind are its main enemies: the edges of the yellow leaves brown and the foliage then drops early, so it only stays handsome with afternoon shade, mulch and regular watering. Late spring frost can damage the new shoots. It is susceptible to verticillium wilt, which makes whole branches die back suddenly, and in heavy waterlogged soil root and collar rot can set in. Aphids and scale insects may also appear.

Key facts

Light: Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, red, purple

All details

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	3–6 m × 3–6 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, red, purple
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 4 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	250 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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