Acer palmatum 'Shishio Improved'

 

Common Name: Japanese maple 

Type: Deciduous shrub

Family: Sapindaceae

Zone: 5 to 9

Height: 6.00 to 9.00 feet

Spread: 6.00 to 9.00 feet

Bloom Time: April

Bloom Description: Red

Sun: Full sun to part shade

Water: Medium

Maintenance: Low

Flower: Insignificant

Leaf: Colorful, Good Fall

Tolerate: Rabbit, Black Walnut

Invasive: Where is this species invasive in the US?

Garden locations

Culture

Best grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Grows well in sandy loams. May be grown in full sun in the northern parts of its growing range, but prefers some part afternoon shade in the southern parts (including St. Louis) of its growing range. New foliage may scorch in full sun locations in hot summers areas, particularly if soils are not kept consistently moist. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Site in locations protected from strong winds. Avoid hot and dry sites. Fertilize in spring before leaves emerge. Pruning is best kept to a minimum, but if needed should be done in late fall to mid winter. Spring or summer pruning often results in significant bleeding.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Acer palmatum, commonly called Japanese maple, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 10-25' (infrequently to 40') tall. It is native to Japan, Korea and China. General plant form is rounded to broad-rounded, often with low branching. Each palmate green leaf (2-5" long) has 5 or 7 but less frequently 9 pointed toothed lobes. Small reddish-purple flowers in umbels bloom in mid spring (April). The flowers are rather attractive close up, but are not particularly showy from a distance. Flowers are followed by samaras (to 3/4" long) in pairs. Samaras ripen in September-October. Fall color includes shades of yellow, red-purple and bronze. Cultivars (often grafted) are quite variable.

Genus name is the Latin name for a maple tree.

Specific epithet is in reference to the palmate nature of the leaves. Each leaf has several lobes (typically 5–7) that all originate from one point looking like an open hand with outstretched fingers.

‘Shishio Improved' produces excellent red spring foliage color. This Japanese maple is a multi-branched shrub that typically matures over time in an upright, rounded form to 6-9' (less frequently to 13') tall. Small palmate leaves (to 2" long) are divided into 5 (less frequently 7), ovate, pointed lobes with toothed margins. Leaves emerge in spring in a bright and showy crimson red. Leaves change to a quality green by summer. Fall color consists of interesting shades of red and orange. Bark on young stems is red. Small reddish flowers in spring are somewhat attractive on close inspection, but are not showy from a distance.

Synonymous with 'Chishio Improved'.

Acer palmatum 'Shishio Improved' - Plant Finder (missouribotanicalgarden.org)