Species

Acer palmatumJapanese Maple

23 other cultivars

tree

Japanese Laceleaf Maple

Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare'

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer palmatum is a deciduous woody species native to East Asia, valued for its elegant branching architecture and palmately lobed leaves. The species thrives in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils under partial shade, producing small spring flowers followed by winged samaras in fall.

'Inaba Shidare' is a strongly cascading, weeping cultivar that forms a rounded, multi-stemmed dome wider than it is tall. The deeply dissected, seven-lobed leaves emerge deep purple in spring, hold their dark red-purple color through summer, and turn bright crimson in fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dramatic focal point with weeping, lace-like purple foliage that transitions to brilliant crimson in the fall.

Grows well in large containers, making it suitable for small urban courtyards, patios, and restricted garden spaces.

Offers nesting sites, protective cover, and shelter for small songbirds and squirrels within its dense, cascading canopy.

SpeciesAcer palmatumJapanese Maple

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

118"

Width

142"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Medium

Lifespan

Over 50 years

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with well-drained, organically rich sandy loam that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent rot.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to maintain moisture and cool soil temperatures.
Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons, maintaining consistent soil moisture without allowing the ground to become waterlogged.

Pro Tip

Pruning during active spring growth causes severe sap bleeding that weakens the tree; restrict all structural shaping to the dormant winter period.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Mulch the root zone to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Prune exclusively during late fall or winter dormancy.
Plant in highly permeable, well-drained loamy soil.

Don't

Do not prune in spring or summer when sap is flowing heavily.
Do not plant in heavy, compacted clay or poorly drained wet areas.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless wood as it rarely back-buds.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during hot summer spells.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeCourtyard GardenUnderstory PlantingJapanese GardenContainer Planting

Companion Plants

Hosta Rhododendron Ophiopogon planiscapus Adiantum pedatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Laceleaf Maple questions

What zones can Japanese Laceleaf Maple grow in?

Japanese Laceleaf Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Laceleaf Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Laceleaf Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Japanese Laceleaf Maple bloom?

Japanese Laceleaf Maple typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Japanese Laceleaf Maple need full sun?

Japanese Laceleaf Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.