Japanese maple(Acer palmatum 'Shaina')

Overview

Dwarf Japanese maple ‘Shaina’ (Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’) is a slow-growing, compact dwarf red Japanese maple hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9. Discovered as a stable witches’ broom mutation on the world-famous full-sized cultivar ‘Bloodgood’, ‘Shaina’ condenses the intense red pigmentation of its parent into a dense, multi-branched globose shrub maturing just 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Growing roughly 4 to 6 inches per year with distinctive clustered, tufted foliage, it delivers the rich burgundy presence of ‘Bloodgood’ to small urban courtyards, rock gardens, and patio planters.

Foliage unfurls brilliant glowing crimson in April, deepens to rich maroon-purple through the summer heat, and finishes in October with an electric fire-engine scarlet display.

How to Grow

• Sunlight & Siting: USDA Zones 5 through 9. In northern zones, full sun intensifies red coloration. In warmer southern climates (Zones 8 and 9), site where it receives direct morning sun and dappled afternoon canopy shade to protect leaves from midsummer scorch.
• Soil & Moisture: Requires moist, fertile, organically rich, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.8), well-draining soil. Intolerant of standing water or heavy, compacted clay.
• Container Culture: ‘Shaina’ is one of the most successful Japanese maples for large decorative planters. Choose a frost-proof ceramic or composite pot at least 18 to 24 inches wide with generous drainage holes. In USDA Zones 5 and 6, move potted containers into an unheated garage or sheltered porch during deep winter to insulate roots from ground-freeze extremes.
• Pruning Discipline: Prune only during full winter dormancy (November to January). Avoid pruning in spring when high sap pressure causes bleeding from cut branch ends.

Landscape Uses

• Patio Container Anchor: Fits perfectly into large ceramic pots on sunny terraces, providing year-round sculptural form.
• Rock Garden Specimen: Compact dimensions and slow growth rate make it a permanent, non-overgrowing focal point alongside alpine stones.
• Entryway Accent: Its tight, rounded globose dome creates a formal welcome near front walks and courtyards.

Potential Problems

• Leaf Scorch in Hot Climates: Intense afternoon sun in southern districts can cause outer leaf edges to dry and crisp; provide afternoon shade.
• Sap Bleeding: Pruning cuts made in late winter or spring bleed sap heavily.
• Root Freezing in Pots: Container-grown specimens in Zone 5 must have their root balls insulated over winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did ‘Shaina’ originate?

‘Shaina’ was discovered as a dwarf “witches’ broom” genetic mutation growing on a full-sized ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple. Propagated by grafting, it retains the deep red color of ‘Bloodgood’ in a compact 5-foot shrub.

Does ‘Shaina’ stay red all summer?

Yes. Leaves emerge bright crimson, mature to deep maroon-purple during summer, and turn fiery scarlet in autumn.

How big does ‘Shaina’ get?

It matures slowly into a dense, rounded mound 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide over 10 to 15 years.

Companion Plants

Pair ‘Shaina’ dwarf Japanese maple with companion plants that highlight its dense red-purple foliage:

• Chartreuse & Gold Contrast: Plant near golden hostas (like ‘August Moon’), chartreuse Japanese forest grass, or creeping Jenny.
• Evergreen Anchors: Combine with dwarf conifers, such as blue star juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’) or dwarf Hinoki cypress.
• Spring Flowering Bulbs: Underplant with white daffodils, scilla, or grape hyacinths.

Sources & Lineage

• Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder: Record taxon 241555 (Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’) — witches’ broom origin from ‘Bloodgood’, dimensions, and tufted habit.
• Kew Plants of the World Online (POWO): Acer palmatum Thunb. (POWO: 927504-1) — species taxonomy, family (Sapindaceae), and Japanese native range.
• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ — dwarf upright maple classification and container trial notes.