Shaina Japanese Maple

Japanese maples are prized for their dramatic and colorful foliage, and Shaina Japanese Maple brings the drama all growing season. From early spring to late autumn, the foliage is shades of red and maroon. Before the leaf drop in the fall, the color changes to shades of fiery orange. Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ is a slower-growing sport of ‘Bloodgood’ and is ideally suited to smaller gardens or container growing. The overall height and spread are 6-8 feet, making it a good choice for growing as an understory tree in a woodland garden or as a colorful focal point in a smaller garden.

Japanese Maples defy their delicate looks by being very low maintenance and drought tolerant as they age. The naturally mounded shape rarely needs pruning to look good all year long. Once these lovely trees are mature and past 4 feet or more in height, they will be less likely to be damaged when browsed by deer. In areas with heavy deer populations, extra protection will be needed until the trees are mature enough to survive. Japanese Maples are native to Japan, China, and Korea and were brought to the United States in the 1860s. Acer palmatum is a good subject for Bonsai and is the most popular Japanese Maple variety in the home garden.

Shaina Japanese Maple Care

Plant Japanese Maple in a location that has partial shade or full sun with protection during the hottest part of the day. Japanese Maples are slow growing and do not have invasive or deep root systems. Spacing the root ball at least 8 feet from a foundation or driveway will protect the tree and allow the canopy to spread with little pruning. The north or east side of the house, where it gets only morning sun, will help provide shelter and added protection in the winter. Acidic, well-draining soil that retains moisture is preferred. Applying a mulch 2-3 inches thick of arborist chips or organic compost will help the soil retain moisture and keep the roots cool during the summer. Plant the tree, so the root flare is just at or above the soil level, and apply mulch a few inches away from the base of the trunk for adequate air circulation.

Prune any dead, diseased, dying, or crossing branches at the end of the winter, just before the leaves emerge. Do not remove more than one-fourth of the branches to prevent stress on the tree. Shaina is a weeping type of Japanese Maple that naturally grows in a mounded shape. Prune any branches to the main stem or even the trunk if necessary.

Shaina Japanese Maple Spacing

Shaina reaches a mature height and spread of 6-8 feet in 10 or more years. This is a very slow grower that needs to be spaced at least 6 feet, center on center, from other trees or shrubs. Japanese Maples grow well in large, deep containers of at least a 24-inch diameter. 

Shaina Japanese Maple Information