Acer ‘Inaba shidare’

Acer palmatum 'Inaba shidare' is one of the most prized Japanese maples with foliage dissected, flowing, ideal for decorative gardens and elegant landscaping.

General characteristics

• Port: weeping (cascade), with arching branches

• Dimensions at maturity:
  – 2–3 m high
  – 2–3 m wide

• Growth: slow to moderate

• Foliage: very fine, deeply divided (laceleaf)

The color of the leaves

• Spring: deep purple-red

• Summer: dark red, stable (does not fade easily)

• Autumn: bright red, sometimes with ruby reflections

 It is considered one of the best dissected leaf maples for maintaining color throughout the season.

Planting conditions

• Exposure:
  – sun in the morning + partial shade in the afternoon (ideal)
  – tolerates the sun better than other laceleaf varieties

• Soil:
  - fertile, well drained
  – slightly acidic to neutral

• Watering: regular, without excess water

Resistance

• Frost resistance: good (up to –20 / –23°C)

• Wind resistance: average (sheltered place recommended)

Use in the garden

• plant solitary (focal point)

• Japanese or zen gardens

• near ponds, terraces, alleys

• very suitable for trunk cultivation or in large pots

Maintenance

• Cuts: minimal, only for form or dry branches

• Mulching: recommended for protecting the roots

• Fertilization: moderate, spring