Japanese Maples For Partial Sun

Acer palmatum ‘Sekka yatsubusa’ has short internodal lengths that give this small plant a very different appearance as the leaves are bunched up along the stems. Red edges to the deeply divided leaves and red petioles add to the effect. All though very slow when young this small tree can grow quite vigorously under the right conditions. Once the tree gets a little older it begins to develop very interesting fasciations or flattened stems of congested growth. While like most maples 'Sekka yatsubusa' is happy in partial shade this adaptable cultivar does quite well in heavy shade or in full sun in all but the hottest climates. Fall color is usually red and very good, some years it can be quite stunning. 10 year size: Height: 3-5 Feet   Width: 2-4 Feet   Spring Color: Green Summer Color: Green Fall Color: Red Sun Tolerance: Partial Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum ‘Sherwood Flame’ was selected by Will Curtis of Sherwood, Oregon from a seedling of  'Burgundy Lace', 'Sherwood Flame is an excellent addition to any garden. I have read many descriptions of this plant written by authors who consider this cultivar very similar to its parent. I have to respectfully disagree. At least in our climate this plant is very different. In early spring 'Sherwood Flame' may be quite purple like its parent but the rest of the year it appears much more red than burgundy. The growth habit is also decidedly more upright. Fall color is red and wonderful on these very pretty deeply serrated leaves. 10 Year size: Height:  14-16 Feet   Width:  8-12 Feet

‘Shirazz’ in spring is a dazzling display as new leaves emerge a bright cherry red or bright pink with olive green. As temperatures heat up the red or pink is joined by cream and green, but unlike many variegated cultivars at least some of the pink color remains all sumer long in all but he hottest climates. While sun brings out the best color, this plant needs afternoon shade especially in hot climates. Fall color ranges from red to orange. 10 year size:  Height: 10-12 Feet   Width: 6-8 Feet Spring Color: Burgundy and Pink Summer Color: Green and Cream Fall Color: Red Sun Tolerance: Partial Planting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ the Famous Lions Head Japanese Maple with Unique Crinkled Leaves Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' is one of the most unique varieties of Japanese maples in existence. 'Shishigashira' has small leaves with crinkled up edges that gives this Japanese maple one of the strangest appearances you will see on a tree. These small strange leaves are light green early in spring and turn a darker green for the rest of the spring and summer. In the fall the cool weather will change the leaves of 'Shishigashira' from green to a brilliant dark orange. For such small and uniquely shaped leaves 'Shishigashira' still puts on quite a show in the fall. Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' is a dwarf Japanese maple that will only reach about 6 feet tall over 10 years. It will keep growing and can reach larger heights over decades, but it is a slow growing dwarf Japanese maple that will take some time to achieve any real height. 'Shishigashira' grows very upright and pretty narrow. The branches of 'Shishigashira' are very stiff and hard to manipulate. The stiffness of the branches compliments the unique crinkle shape of the leaves and gives the appearance of a bonsai in the garden. 'Shishigashira' is the perfect tree for Japanese gardens and a near must have for any smaller landscape. 'Shishigashira' grows well in a variety of climates. It can be grown in zones 5 through 9 and can handle full sun in all but the hottest areas. In warmer climates it is best to give 'Shishigashira' a break from the hot afternoon sun. These trees don't require a lot of sun though and can be grown in shade in pretty much all climates. Shishigashira actually refers to two different old cultivars that are both considered "lions' head" maples, 'Meijishi' and 'O jishi'. 'Meijishi' is known as the female lion and 'O jishi' is known as the male lion. These names come from the mythical male and female lions of a Japanese drama that dates back over 900 years. The name Shishigashira means lions head and comes from the costume worn while doing the lion dance to exorcise evil spirits. While this term can be used to describe either cultivar it is generally used to describe 'Meijishi' and the plant generally labeled 'Shishigashira' in nurseries is almost always 'Meijishi'. While both plants have crinkled tightly congested foliage arranged along stiff upright branches, 'Meijishi's foliage is a little more tightly congested and darker green than that of 'O jishi'. 'Meijishi' is also faster growing. 'O jishi' has bright red fall color while 'Meijishi' has fall color that is more orange.  Either plant is excellent for containers and make wonderful patio trees. What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Height: 6-8 feet Width: 3-4 feet What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Green What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Green What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Orange What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Crinkle Leaf What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Partial Sun What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Zones 5-9 What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Upright Japanese Maple What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira'? Slow Growing Dwarf Japanese Maple How should Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' be planted? Elevated in Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum ‘Shishio hime’ is a very nice, small Japanese maple that will grow much wider than tall, forming a low mound with age. 'Shishio hime' emerges in spring with Red tips to the leaves before turning green for the summer. The leaves become smaller each year as the plant matures. Older specimens have some of the smallest leaves of any Acer palmatum. The foliage is also extremely dense. Fall color ranges from red and yellow to orange.10 year size: Height: 1-3 Feet   Width: 4-6 Feet 

'Shojo nomura' means "beautiful red faced monkey" and this vivid image seems to fit this wonderful small tree. Decidedly upright, 'Shojo nomura' emerges dark purple almost black in early spring but later growth is decidely red and seems to be more red than purple most of the season. It holds its color in our gardens as long as any upright palmatum we grow and if it does fade to green in very hot years it never bronzes out like other red cultivars. Also it seems to hold it's color better in shade than most varieties. Brilliant effects can be obtained by planting this tree where its translucent leaves can be back lit by the morning or evening sun. Fall color is red and usually outstanding. What is the 10 Year Size of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'? Height: 16-18 feet Width: 6-8 feet What is the Spring Color of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura Dark Red What is the Summer Color of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'? Rusty Red What is the Fall Color of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'? Bright Red What is the Leaf Shape of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'? Broad Leaf What is the Sun Tolerance of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'? Full Sun What Growing Zones are suitable for Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'? Zones 5-9 What is the Shape of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'? Upright Japanese Maple What is the Growth Rate of Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura'? Fast Growing Upright Japanese Maple How should Acer palmatum 'Shojo Nomura' be planted? Elevated in Well Drained Soil

‘Shojo Shidare’ does very well in hot climates. The spring color is purple and holds well into the summer even in Georgia. Fall color is almost scarlet and very strong.  A fast growing, very pendulous dissectum, 'Shojo shidare' will mound into an excellent specimen in just a few years. 'Shojo shidare' is rare in the trade because it can be difficult to propogate, which is all the better for you collectors if you should be lucky enough to find one. If more widley available, I believe this would be one of the more popular cultivars.10 year size:  Height:  3-5 Feet    Width:  5-7 FeetSpring Color: PurpleSummer Color: GreenFall Color: ScarletSun tolerance: PartialPlanting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum 'Sir Damon' is an excellent coral bark Japanese maple variety. The bark on 'Sir Damon' ranges from dark red on older branches to bright red on younger growth. This red bark color is most pronounced during the winter months. The leaves are light green in the spring and get a little darker in the summer. The light green spring color contrasts off the red bark very nicely. Fall color is a bright yellow. 'Sir Damon' is a great coral bark variety for someone that wants a coral bark Japanese maple but needs a shorter tree than the typical Sango kaku coral bark Japanese maple. 10 Year Size: Height: 8-10 feet   Width: 4-6 feet

Discovered by Ed "Skeeter" Rod in Pennsylvania this is a witches broom with the usual twiggy growth but a very vigorous upright habit. The small attractive leaves emerge bright red in spring before turning dark red in summer. This plant holds it's color very well even in hot climates. It also seems to hold color well in fairly heavy shade. Fall color is a bright scarlet and rather late compared to other maples. 10 Year Size: Height:  6-8 Feet  Width: 3-4 FeetSpring Color: RedSummer Color: RedFall Color: RedSun Tolerance: PartialPlanting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil

Acer palmatum ‘Sophia’ is a new introduction by Maple Ridge Nursery that was discovered as a chance seedling. ‘Sophia’ is still under observation, but there is no doubt that this is a special Japanese maple tree. ‘Sophia’ is a matsamurae type Japanese maple with thin leaves with lobes that are wider at the base. These leaves emerge in spring with a pale orange color and defined veining. As temperatures increase, the leaves turn to an attractive olive green. The leaves of ‘Sophia’ darken to a maroon color and then eventually a fiery bright red color in the fall. ‘Sophia’ is a very fast and strong grower. Acer palmatum ‘Sophia’ was named after my oldest daughter. 10 Year Size: Height: 10-12 feet Width: 4-6 feet

Acer palmatum 'Spring Blast' has some of the most dramatically bright spring color of any Japanese maple ever in existence. 'Spring Blast' is aptly named due to the blast of color that this Japanese maple exhibits in the spring. 'Spring Blast' emerges in the spring with shining white leaves with green veins and bright hot pink edges around each leaf. This pink edging is think and covers a large portion of the leaf. 'Spring Blast' has reticulated variegation with the green veining and yellowish white base color to the leaves. As the season progresses the pink edging does fade and makes way for the reticulated variegation to take center stage. 'Spring Blast' has jagged edges that are very similar to the majority of the "ghost" varieties. The reticulated variegation remains even throughout the hot summer. During the summer the colors are mostly white leaves with green veining. Fall color is an attractive orange color.  10 Year Size: Height: 6-8 feet   Width: 4-6 feet

'Stella Rossa' translates to Red Star. The habit of this cultivar is decidedly weeping, delicate and graceful. While it tolerates full sun, 'Stella Rossa' would like to have a little shade in hotter climates. The foliage of 'Stella Rossa' emerges bright red in early spring holding the bright red color well into summer before turning darker red and eventually burgundy. In very hot climates it turns bronze by September but never totally green like most other red maples in our nursery. While it may be a little slower growing than many of the dissectums it holds its bright red color in the Southeast better than almost every other cultivar. Fall color is bright red with orange undertones and spectacular. 10 year size: Height:  3-5 feet   Width:  5-7 feetSpring Color: RedSummer Color: BurgundyFall Color: RedSun Tolerance: PartialPlanting: Elevated, Well Drained Soil