This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained neutral to acid soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This decorative plant is primarily grown for its foliage, which is bright red when it first emerges, then turns a fresh yellow-green as it matures. It then takes on spectacular autumn colour, turning orange and then red shades before it falls. The winged red fruits that develop in late summer are also attractive and these can usually be seen swirling to the ground as they ripen in autumn. This relatively compact, deciduous shrub will provide you with a beautiful focal point in a small garden, while in larger spaces, it can be used to illuminate a partially shaded border. Said to be more resistant to leaf scorch than other acers, the striking foliage of Moonrise is still at its best where it is protected from cold, drying winds and excessive midday sun.
  
  
• Garden care: Add a top-dressing of a multi-purpose fertiliser around the base of the plant in late spring. No routine pruning is required. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in April when the plant is in full growth.