Acer Palmatum ‘Shaina’ – The Stunning Dwarf Red Japanese Maple

Japanese maples are treasured for their graceful form, finely cut leaf shapes, and brilliant fall color. Of the hundreds of maple cultivars, one of the most prized is Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’. This dwarf, mounding red maple packs vibrant color and striking beauty into a compact size perfect for small gardens.

In this complete guide we’ll explore why ‘Shaina’ Japanese maple is so popular how to select and plant it, and tips for caring for your ‘Shaina’ to keep it healthy and happy for years to come.

Overview of Acer Palmatum ‘Shaina’

‘Shaina’ Japanese maple is a deciduous dwarf variety belonging to the acclaimed palmatum group of Japanese maples Here are its key features and attributes

• Deciduous tree with emerald green leaves that transform into bright crimson red in spring and fall.

• Grows in a dense, mounding form that matures at just 3-4 feet tall and wide.

• Offers brilliant red color that lasts from spring emergence through summer.

• Slow growth rate makes it ideal for containers and small landscape spaces.

• Zone 5-9 cold hardiness means it thrives across a wide range of climates

• Very pest and disease resistant.

• Non-invasive roots that won’t damage paths, foundations or pipes.

• Low maintenance once established.

With its vibrant ever-changing foliage, graceful rounded form, and compact size, it’s easy to see why Acer ‘Shaina’ is coveted by gardeners and landscapers alike.

The History Behind the ‘Shaina’ Maple

The ‘Shaina’ Japanese maple originated as a witches’ broom mutation on a Bloodgood Japanese maple at Villanova University.

Witches’ brooms occur when a cluster of shoots exhibits stunted growth compared to the rest of the tree. These mutated shoots often have denser branching and smaller leaves, creating a shrubby rounded form.

Noted maple specialist Dick Wolff discovered the unusual broom growth and propagated it into a new cultivar, naming it ‘Shaina’ after a friend’s daughter. It was introduced commercially in 2000.

‘Shaina’ shares the stellar qualities of its Bloodgood parent, including deep red color, but in a more compact package perfect for small gardens.

Choosing the Right Spot for Your ‘Shaina’

When selecting the planting site for your Acer ‘Shaina’, consider the following factors:

• Sunlight: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but may burn in hot afternoon sun.

• Soil: Rich, humusy, acidic soil is preferred. Avoid heavy clay or perpetually wet soil.

• **pH range:**Target a pH of 5.5-6.5. Have soil tested if unsure.

• Air circulation: Good air movement helps prevent diseases. Avoid enclosing it tightly on all sides.

• Size: Allow at least a 4 foot diameter space for its mature width.

• Bedmates: Group with rhododendrons, azaleas, heucheras, and other acid-loving plants.

Position your ‘Shaina’ maple where its vibrant color and form can be showcased as a focal point in the landscape or container design.

When to Plant Your ‘Shaina’

Spring and fall are the best times to plant new container-grown maple trees. Some tips for timing:

• Spring: Plant after the last frost date when soil has warmed up. This allows time for roots to establish before heat of summer.

• Fall: September/October planting while trees are still in active growth allows roots to develop going into winter dormancy.

• Avoid summer planting as extreme heat and dryness place extra stress on establishing trees.

If planting in summer can’t be avoided, be diligent about watering needs. Aim for the cooler temperatures of early fall as soon as possible.

How to Plant and Water Your ‘Shaina’

Follow these steps for smoothly planting your ‘Shaina’ maple:

• Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. Depth should equal the root ball height.

• Set the tree in the hole, positioning it 1-2 inches higher than ground level. Remove any wrapping around the trunk.

• Backfill 1/3 of the hole with the soil dug out. Break up large clumps and amendments like compost.

• Water thoroughly until it begins to pool, then let drain. Finish backfilling the hole.

• Build a berm around the outer edge to contain water. Apply 2-4 inches of mulch avoiding contact with the trunk.

• Water deeply every 7-10 days during the first year, longer as it establishes. Aim to moisten the entire root zone.

• In dry climates, a thin layer of mulch over the root zone helps retain soil moisture.

Be sure not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. Check that the soil drains well before planting.

Caring for Your ‘Shaina’ Maple

Here are some tips for providing ongoing care to keep your Acer ‘Shaina’ looking its best:

• Water: Supply 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Use a soaker hose to avoid wet foliage.

• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring before leaf emergence. Avoid high nitrogen blends.

• Pruning: Prune only to remove dead branches or shape, as needed. Don’t shear the top.

• Pests: Watch for aphids and scale. Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays.

• Diseases: ‘Shaina’ is quite disease resistant. Promote air flow and prune affected branches to manage issues.

• Winter care: Shelter from harsh winter wind and sun with burlap. Avoid de-icing salts around the roots.

• Propagation: Take semi-hardwood summer cuttings or graft onto understock to clone your ‘Shaina’.

With proper siting, planting, and care your Acer ‘Shaina’ will thrive for decades of beauty.

Design Ideas for Showcasing ‘Shaina’

The petite size yet big visual impact of Acer ‘Shaina’ makes it very versatile in garden designs. Here are some great ways to showcase it:

• Container planting – Let it be the star specimen of a large decorative pot on a patio.

• Small city garden – Its modest size is perfect for urban courtyards and yards.

• Group plantings – Cluster three together for a colorful garden accent.

• Near a deck or path – Highlight an entrance or sitting area.

• Asian garden feature – Its graceful form enhances Japanese garden themes.

• Poolside – The bright colors pop against surrounding greens.

• Rock garden – Combine with alpines and dwarf conifers.

• Bonsai culture – ‘Shaina’ can be trained as a bonsai specimen indoors.

Take advantage of its bold color and compact shape to make a dramatic statement wherever you place your ‘Shaina’ maple.

Common Problems with ‘Shaina’ Japanese Maple

When provided its preferred growing conditions, Acer ‘Shaina’ is relatively trouble-free. But here are some potential problems to watch for:

• Leaf scorch causes brown crispy leaf margins. This is usually a result of too much sun or inadequate watering. Improve site conditions.

• Chlorosis or yellowing leaves indicates low soil iron or high soil pH. Test and amend the soil as needed.

• Leaf drop in summer heat is common. Make sure it is well watered during hot spells to minimize leaf loss.

• Verticillium wilt causes stunted growth and branch dieback. Improve drainage and do not over fertilize.

• Pests like aphids and Japanese beetles can be controlled with appropriate sprays. Avoid heavy infestations.

• Branch dieback can occur in harsh winters. Shelter small trees to protect from wind and sun damage. Wrap the trunk to prevent frost cracks.

Getting Creative With ‘Shaina’ Maple: Hybrids and Variants

Beyond the classic green-leafed red ‘Shaina’ maple, there are some other exciting options plant breeders have developed:

• ‘Shaina Shidare’ – A cascading, trailing form with deeply incised leaves. Perfect for containers and small spaces.

• ‘Shaina Applecourt’ – A hybrid of ‘Shaina’ and ‘Village Green’ applebark maple. Combines their best qualities.

• ‘Mikawa yatsubusa’ – The original green-leafed mounding form found in Japan that was used to breed ‘Shaina’.

• Golden and variegated forms – Color variations are also being introduced, though not yet widely available.

Search for these special ‘Shaina’ cognates and progenitors if you want something beyond the ordinary!

The Bottom Line on Growing Acer ‘Shaina’

Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ is one of the most coveted small Japanese maples, and for good reason. Its vibrant color, graceful rounded form, pest resistance, and compact size make it the ideal focal point tree for landscapes or containers.

When sited and cared for properly, your ‘Shaina’ maple will provide decades of stunning spring, summer, and fall beauty. This dwarf Japanese maple cultivar is sure to become a treasured part of your garden.