Acer palmatum Inaba Shidare – A Showstopper for Small Gardens

Japanese Maple Inaba-shidare, Acer palmatum Dissectum Inaba-shidare

Acer palmatum, or Japanese maple, is a favourite among UK gardeners—and none more so than the elegant, cascading cultivar ‘Inaba Shidare’. With its deep purple, finely divided foliage and graceful weeping habit, this ornamental tree brings dramatic colour and texture to gardens large or small.

Let’s explore how to grow, maintain and enjoy Acer palmatum Inaba Shidare in your garden.

Inaba Shidare is a standout Japanese maple. It’s compact, slow-growing and ideal for UK gardens. With finely cut, feathery, filigree-like leaves that shift from deep purple in summer to vivid crimson in autumn, this deciduous shrub forms an attractive small tree or cascading specimen.

The tree’s naturally weeping shape forms an upright mound, making it ideal as a focal point in mixed borders or large containers. It’s one of the most dramatic ornamental trees you can grow, and its compact habit makes it suitable for even the smallest gardens. Better yet, it’s low maintenance once established.

Its delicate foliage is best left unspoiled, and it thrives in well-drained soil with some shelter from harsh winds. If you’re looking to buy Japanese maple Acer palmatum for impact, Inaba Shidare is hard to beat.

Absolutely! Inaba Shidare thrives in containers when correctly cared for. Select a large pot with excellent drainage and one that is wide enough to accommodate the root ball. Repot every 2–3 years to prevent becoming pot-bound.

Use a mix of ericaceous compost and loam-based compost, ensuring the mix is well-drained but retains sufficient moisture. Add a layer of mulch on top to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

During dry spells, water thoroughly, especially in summer and the first few years after planting. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely. A container-grown tree may also benefit from occasional root pruning to promote healthy growth.

Japanese maple trees like consistent moisture. In the ground, they’ll need regular watering during dry spells, especially while young. For container trees, check the pot regularly to ensure the tree is well-watered. The soil should feel moist but never soggy.

During spring and summer, water your plants two to three times a week in warm weather. In autumn, reduce frequency, and in winter, only water when the soil becomes dry.

A good soak at the base is better than light sprinkles. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect surface roots from temperature swings.

One of the joys of Inaba Shidare is its naturally elegant, cascading shape. It requires little pruning. If shaping is necessary, do it while the tree is dormant—typically in late winter or early spring—before sap starts to rise.

Avoid heavy pruning, which can spoil the tree’s form. Focus on removing diseased, damaged, or leggy growth. Occasionally, thinning out crowded branches helps maintain its weeping structure.

Always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts. You don’t need to prune every year—only when necessary to preserve the tree’s health and graceful form.

The foliage of Inaba Shidare is simply stunning. It starts deep purple in late spring, intensifying in colour through summer. As autumn arrives, leaves transform into vibrant crimson, creating a dramatic seasonal shift.

Its leaf colour is best when the tree is grown in well-drained soil, protected from harsh afternoon sun. Even the finely cut lobed leaves add to its visual interest, fluttering like lace in a summer breeze.

The crimson in autumn is especially striking when paired with golden grasses or pale ornamental blooms. If you’re after a tree that shines all year, this one’s a winner.

Soil matters when growing any Acer palmatum. It needs fertile, moisture-retentive soil that’s free-draining. A loam-based soil with added organic matter, such as compost, works exceptionally well.

Avoid very alkaline soils, as Acer palmatum prefers slightly acidic conditions. Mix ericaceous compost into the soil when planting if your native soil leans towards alkaline.

Keep the base weed-free, and don’t compact the soil around the root ball. Aeration helps the tree thrive. A layer of mulch is a great way to feed the tree slowly and retain moisture.

Autumn colour is where Inaba Shidare comes into its own. As the days cool, its leaves shift from purple to rich crimson. The transformation is one of the highlights of any autumn garden.

This deciduous tree retains its leaves into autumn for several weeks, offering a long-lasting seasonal display. The colourful canopy gently falls, leaving behind an attractive branching form.

Even in small gardens, it creates a standout display when other garden plants are fading. Pair it with other trees and shrubs for a dynamic autumn palette.

Japanese maple trees are generally resilient, but young or stressed trees can be susceptible to damage from pests and disease. Watch out for aphids, scale insects, or root rot from waterlogged conditions.

Leaf scorch is a common issue caused by a lack of soil moisture or excessive sunlight. Position your tree with care to avoid this. Drying winds can also cause browning edges on delicate foliage.

To reduce issues, ensure proper watering, feed sparingly, and avoid excessive feeding. Healthy trees resist problems far better than weak or stressed ones.

This tree’s natural shape is best left unspoiled. Minimal interference works best. Support it through good watering, quality soil, a little compost, and a protected position.

Avoid wind-exposed spots and scorching sun, especially in the first few years. Use mulch to improve the soil and conserve moisture. Keep the base free of grass and weeds.

Feed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring if needed, but avoid excessive feeding. With care, your Inaba-shidare will grow into a graceful, thriving tree that steals the show season after season.

There’s something undeniably special about Acer palmatum Inaba Shidare. While I’m not growing it in my garden at the moment, it’s one I return to often when advising friends or planning new borders for clients. Its weeping shape and rich crimson tones in autumn are truly spectacular—it offers that wow factor without needing constant attention. If you’re short on space, it’s a fantastic choice for a statement in a container, especially near a patio or water feature where its form and colour can shine. I always recommend giving it a sheltered, partially shaded spot and letting it do its thing—it rewards good positioning with years of graceful beauty. As the garden begins to wind down in autumn, this tree comes alive. If you’re thinking about adding one standout tree to your garden, this could well be it.

• Acer palmatum Inaba Shidare is a deciduous Japanese maple with deep purple foliage turning crimson in autumn.
• Prefers well-drained soil—add ericaceous compost if necessary
• Ideal in pots or small borders, especially in small gardens
• Best in partial shade, with shelter from strong wind and scorching sun
• Water regularly, especially in summer and when newly planted
• Prune only when necessary—shaping is necessary rarely
• Avoid excessive feeding and protect roots with a layer of mulch
• Buy from a trusted nursery to ensure quality
• Protect from pests and leaf scorch by providing the right growing conditions
• A perfect focal point for colour, shape, and year-round garden interest

Acer palmatum Inaba Shidare thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. It is hardy to –24°C (–11°F), and grows 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft) tall in 5–10 years. Renowned for its deeply divided, purple-red leaves, which turn bright crimson in autumn, this elegant maple requires little beyond annual improvement, basic watering, and protection from extremes—a distinctive, low-maintenance choice for UK gardens.

Want to learn about other shrub varieties? Read about Acer palmatum Dissectum here.

For more information on Shrubs for your garden, please click here.

Q: What is Acer palmatum ‘Inaba Shidare’?

A: Acer palmatum Inaba Shidare is a stunning cultivar of Japanese maple, prized for its weeping habit and deeply dissected foliage. This ornamental, deciduous shrub or small tree forms an upright mound that cascades into elegant, filigree-like layers. Its foliage emerges a rich burgundy and turns a brilliant crimson in autumn. Often used as a focal point in small gardens, it thrives in well-drained soil with partial shade. The tree’s naturally graceful form is best left unspoiled, making it a low-maintenance yet striking addition to any garden. It is considered one of the most attractive Japanese maple trees available.

Q: Where can I buy Japanese maple Acer palmatum ‘Inaba Shidare’?

A: You can buy Japanese maple Acer palmatum ‘Inaba Shidare’ from reputable garden centres, specialist nurseries, or trusted online plant retailers. Ensure your chosen supplier offers healthy young trees with a strong root ball. Whether you’re after a statement specimen for your small garden or seeking ornamental trees with superb autumn colour, this Japanese maple is widely available and highly sought after for its vivid foliage and graceful weeping habit.

Q: What is the best location and soil for growing a Japanese maple?

A: Japanese maples such as Acer palmatum prefer a sheltered spot in dappled or partial shade to protect their delicate foliage from scorching sun and drying winds. Plant in well-drained soil—ideally loam enriched with compost. They perform best in slightly acidic conditions, so mix ericaceous compost with your soil when planting. Avoid exposed areas where the tree may be susceptible to damage from cold or wind. A layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and protect the root ball from temperature fluctuations.

Q: How and when should I prune Acer palmatum ‘Inaba Shidare’?

A: Minimal pruning is needed to preserve the naturally graceful form of Acer palmatum ‘Inaba Shidare’. If shaping is necessary, prune during late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Avoid heavy pruning as it may encourage leggy growth or damage the structure. Remove any dead, diseased, or widely spaced branches. Occasional root pruning may be necessary if the plant is in a pot to prevent it from becoming pot-bound. Always use sharp, clean tools and avoid pruning in autumn when sap flow is at its highest.

Q: Can I grow a Japanese maple in a pot?

A: Yes, Acer palmatum varieties, including Inaba Shidare, are well suited to growing in pots. Use a large container with adequate drainage and fill it with a mix of loam-based compost and ericaceous compost. Position in partial shade and water regularly during dry spells, ensuring the compost is moist but not waterlogged. Repot every few years to prevent becoming pot-bound, refreshing the compost and checking the root system. Add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and insulate the roots in colder months.

Q: How often should I water my Japanese maple?

A: During the first few years, young trees should be watered regularly to help establish strong roots. Once settled, Japanese maples require consistent moisture, especially in spring and summer or during dry spells. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause leaf scorch or cause crimson leaves to drop early in autumn. Conversely, overwatering or poor drainage may lead to waterlogged roots, which can weaken the plant. Always check the soil before watering and maintain a balanced approach.

Q: How do I feed my Acer palmatum?

A: Japanese maples generally require only light feeding. In early spring, apply a slow-release, balanced feed suitable for acid-loving garden plants. Avoid excessive feeding, particularly high-nitrogen fertilisers, as they may cause leggy growth and weaken the plant’s structure. Feeding once a year is usually sufficient, especially if the soil is enriched with organic compost or mulch. In containers, an additional liquid feed during the growing season may be beneficial to support healthy foliage and vivid autumn colour.

Q: What pests or diseases affect Japanese maples?

A: Japanese maples are relatively low-maintenance, but they can occasionally suffer from aphids, vine weevils, or fungal infections. Aphids may cause leaf curling or a sticky sap residue, while vine weevil larvae attack the roots, especially in potted specimens. Ensure good airflow and well-drained soil to discourage disease. Watch for signs of wilting, discolouration, or pest activity, and treat promptly using RHS-recommended methods. Healthy, well-positioned trees are more resilient and less likely to suffer serious pest issues.

Q: Why are my Japanese maple’s leaves scorched or dropping early?

A: Leaf scorch is often caused by exposure to scorching sun, drying winds, or lack of soil moisture. This results in the browning or curling of leaf edges and can lead to premature leaf drop. Ensure your Japanese maple is planted in a sheltered location with well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil. Mulch around the base helps regulate temperature and retain moisture. Water during dry spells, particularly in summer. In pots, avoid placing the tree in full sun or allowing the compost to dry out completely.