Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple

Name: Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple
Brand: The Sill
SKU: DST-JAP-SHI-12-2G
Price: 189.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Full-Partial Sun 1 ft./yr Growth Safe for Pets

$99

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Pick a Size: 1-2 ft. 1-2 ft.

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Pick a Color: Plastic

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Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple Information

About

About The Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple

Add Striking Color With the Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple

When you want a tree that steals the spotlight without taking over the whole yard, Inaba Shidare delivers. This compact, cascading Japanese Maple forms a graceful dome of finely cut, lacy leaves that drape like a living fountain. Its color show runs all season long—starting with deep reddish-purple (nearly black in spring light), shifting into rich red through summer, and finishing with a fiery crimson finale in fall.

It’s a strong grower compared to many maples in its class, reaching its mature size in about 10–15 years—fast enough to make an impact, but still easy to manage. Whether planted as a focal point or tucked into a smaller space, it brings structure, color, and movement to the garden.

Why You'll Love the Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple

Striking color progression: Deep purple spring foliage transitions to vivid red, ending in bright crimson fall color
Compact, weeping form: Dome-shaped habit with elegant, arching branches
Faster establishment: Vigorous growth helps it fill in sooner than many Japanese maples
Cold hardy: Handles temperatures down to -20°F
Shade tolerant: Thrives in partial shade and adapts to typical garden conditions
Low-maintenance beauty: Naturally forms its shape with minimal pruning

Great Uses

Perfect focal point in small gardens or front yards
Adds texture and color contrast to mixed borders
Ideal for Asian-inspired or woodland garden designs
Works beautifully in large containers for patios or entryways
Softens hardscape edges with its cascading form

Inaba Shidare is proof that you don’t need a massive space to enjoy a tree with real presence. It grows with purpose, fills in with style, and keeps the color coming season after season.

Plant Details

Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple Details

Mature Height:

6-10 ft.

Mature Width:

8-15 ft.

Sunlight:

Full-Part Sun

Growth Rate:

Fast

Botanical Name:

Acer palmatum var. dissectum 'Inaba-shidare'

Grows Well In Zones:

5-9 outdoors

Does Not Ship To:

AK, AZ, HI, OR

Growing Zones 5-9 Outdoors

(Hardy down to 10° F)

Care Guide

Watering Requirements

Water newly planted trees deeply, generally 2-3 times a week to help their roots establish depending on conditions. Established trees only need a good soaking during dry spells or summer heatwaves, as they rely mostly on natural rainfall. Container trees dry out much faster and should be watered daily or every other day in hot weather until excess water drains from the bottom.

Sunlight Requirements

Thrives in partial shade, preferably morning sun and afternoon shade. They can tolerate full sun in northern climates, but they should be protected from afternoon sun in southern climates.

Humidity Requirements

Japanese maples thrive best in moderate to high humidity, as dry air can cause their delicate foliage to dry out and scorch at the edges.

Pet-Friendly Plant?

Yes, this plant is safe for homes with pets.

Read our full care guide

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Japanese Maple Trees (Acer palmatum) are ornamental deciduous trees native to Japan, Korea, and China, known for their distinctive palmate leaves, elegant form, and exceptional seasonal color. They're widely grown as specimen trees, container plants, and garden focal points.

What is a Japanese Maple Tree?

Most Japanese Maples do best in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially where summer heat is intense. Coral Bark is notably more sun-tolerant than other varieties and can handle full sun even in warmer zones. All benefit from shelter from harsh winds, which can dry out and damage the foliage.

Where should I plant a Japanese Maple?

Container-grown Japanese Maples need consistent watering; the soil should stay evenly moist but never soggy. They'll need repotting every few years as they grow and may require more winter protection than in-ground plantings since roots are more exposed to freezing temperatures. Compact weeping varieties like Red Dragon, Crimson Queen, Tamukeyama, and Waterfall are particularly well-suited to container growing. See how our plant expert Paris pots a large tree in a container.

How do I care for a Japanese Maple in a container?

Color varies by variety. Red-leafed varieties like Red Dragon, Bloodgood, Crimson Queen, Emperor, and Tamukeyama emerge in spring with deep reds and purples that hold through summer, then turn fiery crimson or scarlet in fall. Coral Bark produces green foliage that shifts to golden yellow in fall, then the coral-red bark becomes the main feature through winter.

When do Japanese Maples change color?

Planter Info