Full Moon Maple - Acer japonicum ‘Vitifolium’

Full Moon Maple - Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium'

Among deciduous ornamentals, few deliver the seasonal presence of Acer japonicum 'Vitifolium'. Its oversized, rounded foliage shifts through crimson, burnt orange, and gold in autumn, a spectacle that defines premium cool-climate landscapes. Advanced specimens arrive with established form and immediate visual authority.

Why Full Moon Maple

Autumn colour: One of the most striking seasonal displays available, rich tones of crimson, orange, and gold across broad, lobed foliage.
Distinctive leaf form: Large, rounded leaves create a layered, architectural quality that sets it apart from common maple varieties.
Winter structure: Elegant branching habit retains visual interest long after leaf drop, a considered choice for year-round landscape design.
Refined scale: A slow, composed growth habit makes it well-suited to high-value sites where restraint and precision matter.
Premium specimen quality: Supplied as advanced stock, these trees arrive with presence, no years of establishment required.

Ideal Applications

Signature feature tree: Positioned as a standalone specimen in curated Japanese-influenced or contemporary ornamental landscapes.
Courtyard and enclosed spaces: Scaled appropriately for high-end courtyards where drama is required without imposing canopy spread.
Layered planting compositions: Pairs with understory planting and ground covers to create depth and seasonal contrast.
Cool-climate prestige properties: An asset in protected tablelands, southern coastal, and elevated sites where foliage performance peaks.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (feature/avenue): 6–8m
Planting Season: Autumn to early spring (when dormant)
Soil & Drainage: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; avoid waterlogged or highly alkaline conditions
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly throughout the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect surface roots.

Plant Details

Height: 6–10m
Width: 5–8m
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage: Deciduous
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Native to: Japan
Flower Colour: Red-purple