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Buy Acer palmatum 'Moonfire'

Also Known As

Japanese Maple

Plant type

tree

size

H: 18'-20'
W: 14'-20'

planting zones

6a-9b

5 gallon | $226

Shipping based on order size & destination

Fewer than 19 at Bloom River Gardens

3-4 feet | $146

Shipping based on order size & destination

Fewer than 19 at Bloom River Gardens

#1 Container | $69.99

Buy button links to nursery site for checkout

Fewer than 20 at Conifer Kingdom

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Acer palmatum 'Moonfire' plant details

Acer palmatum 'Moonfire' is a broadleaf deciduous tree with purple and red foliage. Flowers are not showy, but nurture a healthy ecosystem as wildlife habitat. Attracts beneficial insects and birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Acer palmatum 'Moonfire'

Plant type: tree
Plant family: sapindaceae
Foliage: deciduous purple and red
Mature size: 14 FT - 20 FT - wide, 18 FT - 20 FT - tall
Uses: border plant, container plant, fall color, showy, small tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Acer palmatum 'Moonfire'

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Moderate growing (12'-14') purple leafed tree. Named by Richard Wolff in the 1970's. Very rich purple foliage and a great red, fall color.

By: Gossler Farms

"Opalescent" is how the large almost black-red leaves of this strong upright-growing (15-20') tree have been described and they keep this deep color until they turn a bright crimson in fall. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Upright, rounded canopy, small tree. Known for keeping its color throughout the season, starting with purple-reddish black foliage in the spring and turning a crimson in the fall.

By: Garden World

This is a fast-growing selection with dark purple-red leaves and fiery red fall color! 12' tall and wide. Well-drained soil is best for this one.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Rivaling the well-known 'Bloodgood' for its long-lasting season of purple-red color, 'Moonfire' will cast an iridescent glow to the garden when sun plays on its leaves. In fall leaves turn crimson-red. A sure-fire and durable cultivar. Photo taken in late October.

By: Bloom River Gardens

This Japanese Maple is popular for its fast growth and outstanding all-summer-color. Moonfire will grow to well over 25 ft tall. Fall color is blazing red! Needs sun for best color.

By: Maplestone Ornamentals

Acer palmatum 'Moonfire' - is one of the better red upright varieties of Japanese Maple. Colors are purple-red, almost black-red. Diffused sunlight gives it a faint blue overtone similar to ' Nuresagi '. Delightful crimson fall colors.

By: Kigi Nursery

Very dark red-black bark and opalescent leaves give this maple a dramatic appearance as the branches curve and twist upward. Its upright growth reaches 15 ft. at maturity.

By: Heritage Seedlings

Palmatum Group -red - Another outstanding red leafed maple, Moonfire holds it's red color extremely well in the hot summer months. Color is dark purple-red to black-red. Reputedly this is a better selection for the long hot summer months of the South than Bloodgood, and it is smaller and slower growing, but eventually may reach 15 to 20' or more. Introduced by Richard Wolff of Pennsylvania in 1970.

By: Fantastic Plants

The foliage of this delicate Maple emerges solid red and matures to rich green with a definite red edge. A beautiful selection and an Almost Eden exclusive introduction!

By: Almost Eden

Deep purple-leaves hold color all summer. Crimson in fall, USDA zones 5-9

By: Lael's Moon Garden

Another in the family up upright reds, Moonfire is distinguished by its diminutive delicate look and almost black leaves. It never bronzes in the sun and in the fall is an excellent crimson. zone 6. This photo is from Michael Healy.

By: Whitman Farms

PALMATUM, red. This deep blood-red maple is similar to 'Bloodgood' and is an excellent addition to the palmatum group. The leaves are beautiful wine red to purple and hold their color well. Fall color is crimson red. A newer cultivar not yet in most collections, 'Moonfire' is considered by many to be the best of the red ribbon leaf forms.