Acer Palmatum ‘Inaba-shidare’ 100cm Pot 270cm Height Outdoor Tree

Acer palmatum Inaba-shidare is a stunning lace-leaf Japanese maple, highly prized for its dramatic, long-lasting colour and elegant cascading form. Originating from Japan, this cultivar is especially valued for its rich, deep tones that hold exceptionally well throughout the season.

Key Features:

• Foliage: Deeply dissected, lace-like leaves emerge a brilliant crimson in spring, deepen to a sumptuous burgundy-purple through summer, and transform to fiery scarlet in autumn. Unlike many red Japanese maples that fade to bronze or green, Inaba-shidare maintains its vibrant dark tones exceptionally well.

• Habit: Forms a graceful, cascading mound with arching branches, typically reaching 1.52 metres high with a spread of 2.53 metres, developing a beautiful layered, dome-like shape that adds architectural elegance to gardens.

• Bark: Young stems have subtle reddish tones, providing gentle winter interest.

It is perfect as a specimen tree in lawns, near ponds, on raised beds or walls where its branches can gracefully spill over, or as a statement plant in large containers.

Detailed Care Guide for Acer palmatum Inaba-shidare

Position & Light

• Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight.

• Tolerates some morning sun, which helps intensify leaf colour, but protection from hot afternoon sun is essential to prevent leaf scorch.

• Needs a sheltered position, away from strong winds which can shred delicate foliage.

Shelter

• Avoid exposed, windy sites which can cause browning and tatter the fine leaves.

• Protect from late spring frosts which may damage tender new shoots.

Watering

• Likes soil to be consistently moist but well-drained.

• Water regularly during dry periods, particularly in the first few years after planting and if grown in pots.

• Mulch each spring with compost or bark to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

Soil

• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, fertile, humus-rich soil.

• Avoid heavy clay or alkaline ground. If necessary, plant in raised beds or containers with ericaceous compost mixed with grit for drainage.

Feeding

• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a specialist acer feed.

• Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which encourage soft, sappy growth more vulnerable to wind and frost.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning needed.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late autumn or winter while dormant.

• Avoid heavy pruning, which can ruin its elegant cascading form.

Pests & Problems

• Generally pest-free.

• May occasionally attract aphids on soft new growth.

• Leaf scorch (brown tips or edges) is typically caused by drought, excessive sun, or wind exposure rather than disease.

Container Growing

• Excellent in large containers, perfect for patios or small gardens.

• Use ericaceous compost with added grit, ensure pots have good drainage and raise on feet to prevent waterlogging.

• Water regularly in dry spells and wrap pots in fleece or bubble wrap in harsh winters to protect roots.