Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ is a beautifully compact and vibrant Japanese Maple that’s perfect for small gardens, courtyards, containers, and feature plantings.
Its rich red foliage throughout the growing season and glowing autumn colours make it a standout choice for gardeners who want bold colour without a large tree footprint.
Quick Facts
- Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’
- Common Name: Shaina Japanese Maple
- Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
- Mature Height: ~2.0–3.0 m (6–10 ft)
- Mature Width: ~1.5–3.0 m
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Foliage: Bright red in spring, deep burgundy in summer, vivid crimson in autumn
- Best Position: Full sun to part shade (some afternoon shade ideal in hot climates)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
- Water: Regular watering, especially during heat/dry spells
- Maintenance: Low — light pruning only if shaping
- Uses: Feature tree, patio focal point, container, courtyard garden
Why Gardeners Love Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’
Colour That Changes with the Seasons
- Spring: Leaves unfurl bright crimson-red
- Summer: Rich, deep burgundy tones settle in
- Autumn: Leaves transition to brilliant scarlet-red before fall
This seasonal colour progression gives year-long visual interest
Growing Conditions & Care
Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ is a cultivar is a sport of ‘Bloodgood’, selected for a tighter, more compact form that fits beautifully into small spaces. Its dense branching and globe-like silhouette add structure and texture to gardens of all styles — from formal Japanese theme gardens to contemporary courtyard plantings.
Light & Position
‘Shaina’ prefers full sun to partial shade, but in hotter Australian regions it benefits from morning sun and dappled afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Soil & Water
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Regular watering is key — keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot or dry spells. Applying mulch around the base helps retain moisture and moderates soil temperature.
Maintenance
This Japanese Maple is low maintenance. Pruning is generally not required but can be done lightly in late winter or early spring to improve shape or airflow through the canopy.
Perfect In Small Landscapes & Containers
Whether you have a compact courtyard, balcony or small garden space, Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ fits effortlessly:
- Feature specimen in mixed borders
- Potted focal point on patios and decks
- Accent tree in Japanese-inspired gardens
- Layered plantings with hostas, ferns and azaleas for rich textural contrast Its slow growth rate makes it ideal for spaces that need vertical interest without overwhelming larger plants or structures.
Size & Spacing Guide
| Feature | Size / Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | ~2.0 – 3.0 m |
| Mature Width | ~1.5 – 3.0 m |
| Plant Spacing | Allow ~2–3 m of clearance |
| Planting Time | Autumn or Spring |
Give it room to breathe so its rounded canopy can develop fully — especially in mixed garden beds or near pathways
Landscaping Uses
Like many of the smaller growing Japanese maples Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ is a tree suited to a number of garden design styles. Growing well in containers, this is a maple that look good beside a Japanese style water feature.
The Chinese, Japanese or Zen gardens are an obvious fit. Shania also works well in smaller courtyard gardens as well as in larger gardens as a feature in the broader landscape.
In a woodland or part shaded garden, the brilliant autumn colour that Shaina provides make a dramatic contribution to the landscape. Use as a feature plant in the garden, set into a lawn or in a container.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’
- Common Names – Japanese maple Shaina
- Country of Origin – Sport of Acer palmatum Bloodgood
- Climate Zones – Temperate, Mediterranean to Warm
- Position – Full sun to part afternoon shade
- Soil – Well drained humus rich..
- Height – Generally around 2 metre with an upright habit.
- Spread – To 1.5 metres plus.
- Growth Rate – Slow to Medium
- Foliage – Deeply divided, red turning to crimson in autumn.
- Flowers – Small samaras, insignificant.
- Flowering Time – spring to summer.
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – No – subject to leaf scorch in dry soils in hot climates.
Readily Available For Sale
We Are Asked
How to avoid leaf scorch?
Provide some afternoon shade in warmer areas and keep soil uniformly moist during heatwaves.
Is ‘Shaina’ suitable for small gardens?
Yes! Its compact form and moderate height make it a top choice for courtyard gardens, small backyards and patios.
Can it go in a container?
Absolutely — if the pot is large with good drainage and you water regularly, it thrives beautifully in containers.