Description
Acer palmatum 'Shin-deshojo' | Japanese maple
Japanese maple Acer palmatum 'Shin-deshojo' is a compact Japanese maple tree with a bushy, upright habit and a refined shape. This cultivar of Acer palmatum is a deciduous shrub that reaches approximately 250 cm at maturity. Its palmate, hand-shaped leaves emerge in a striking red colour before turning green during the growing season. In autumn, the foliage changes again, showing attractive orange and yellow tones. This clear seasonal change gives the plant interest from spring through autumn. Small red flowers appear in April and May, although the foliage remains the main ornamental feature. The compact growth makes this Japanese maple suitable for ornamental planting in a border or container. It can also bring structure to a patio or terrace where a potted Japanese maple is wanted. A sheltered position helps protect the delicate foliage from drying winds. As a member of the acer genus, it combines a graceful outline with strong seasonal colour. It is an ornamental shrub that benefits from suitable growing conditions and a soil that does not dry out rapidly.
Key features of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum 'Shin-deshojo')
- Seasonal foliage: The palmate, hand-shaped leaves emerge red and turn green during the growing season. In autumn, they develop orange to yellow colour, making the foliage the main feature of this red leaf Japanese maple.
- Flowers: Small red flowers appear in April and May. They are present as a seasonal detail, but they are secondary to the changing leaf colour and compact form of the shrub.
- Position: This Japanese maple performs in partial shade or sun. A sheltered position is preferable because the foliage is sensitive to drying winds. Avoid exposed sites where strong wind may quickly dry the leaves.
- Soil and drainage: Use humus-rich, well-drained and lightly moist soil. Acidic to neutral soil is preferred. Good drainage and an open soil structure are important, while persistently waterlogged ground and soil that dries out rapidly should be avoided.
- For pots and paving: Its compact, upright and bushy growth suits a pot on a patio or terrace and planting near paving, provided the soil does not dry out. It is also a useful choice within the wider range of container plants.
Uses of Japanese maple Acer palmatum 'Shin-deshojo' in the garden
- Specimen planting: Use this compact Japanese maple as a specimen shrub where its graceful, upright silhouette can be seen clearly. It provides structure without becoming visually heavy and works well as a refined focal point.
- Pot, patio and border: The plant is suitable for a pot on a patio or terrace, as well as for a border. Its compact habit makes it useful where a Japanese maple tree is wanted without taking up a large planting space.
- Japanese-style gardens: The seasonal transition from red emerging foliage to green summer leaves and orange and yellow autumn colour suits a Japanese-style garden. It adds calm structure and changing colour across the growing season.
- Hardiness: This Japanese maple is hardy to approximately -23.3°C to -28.9°C, equivalent to USDA zone 5. In UK gardens, a sheltered position remains valuable, together with moisture-retentive but well-drained soil.
- Plant combinations: Pair it with shade-tolerant or woodland-style ornamental planting that complements rather than competes with the foliage. Ferns, grasses and other restrained foliage plants can support its form and seasonal colour.
Acer palmatum 'Shin-deshojo' is a refined choice for adding seasonal colour and structure to a sheltered UK garden or patio.
