Acer palmatum ‘Shirazz’ (often known as the Shirazz Variegated Japanese Maple) is a truly eye-catching ornamental tree valued for its dynamic, multicoloured foliage that shifts through the seasons.
Its elegant shape and seasonal drama make it a standout choice as a feature plant, courtyard specimen or small garden focal point.
At a Glance — Key Features
- Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Shirazz’
- Common Name: Shirazz Variegated Japanese Maple
- Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
- Foliage: Variegated — mixes red, pink, green, cream and scarlet through the seasons
- Mature Height: ~3–5 m (varies with location and care)
- Mature Width: ~2.5–4 m
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Best Position: Part shade to morning sun (protection from harsh afternoon sun)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich
- Water: Regular while establishing; moderate once established
- Maintenance: Low — light pruning only if needed
Why ‘Shirazz’ Is Special
This variety is loved for its striking variegation and seasonal colour shifts that keep gardens interesting from spring to autumn.
Seasonal Colour Display
- Spring: New foliage emerges with red-purple and pink tones.
- Summer: Leaves shift to green with cream and pink variegation
- Autumn: Foliage often turns glowing orange-red or scarlet before fallingThis ever-changing palette offers vibrant colour contrast, particularly striking against solid foliage plants.
Growing Conditions & Care
Light
Best grown in part shade to morning sun. Too much harsh afternoon sun — especially in hot Australian climates — may faded or scorched leaves so choose a sheltered position where possible.
Soil & Water
Plant in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid planting in very dry, compacted or waterlogged soils. Water regularly during establishment, then moderately — aim to keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed — only shape lightly in early growth years or remove dead branches.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilising: A slow-release, balanced fertiliser in early spring will help support healthy growth.
Landscape Uses & Design Ideas
Acer palmatum ‘Shirazz’ excels in settings where its colour and form can shine:
Feature Specimen — centrepiece in a garden bed or lawn
Courtyard Accent — perfect in a patio pot or as an architectural focal point
Layered Borders — pair with evergreen shrubs, hostas, ferns or grasses for texture contrast
Small Gardens — upright form fits narrow spaces without overwhelming surrounding plants
Its natural vase-like shape and contrasting foliage complement both formal and informal garden styles.
Size & Spacing Guide
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | ~3–5 m |
| Mature Width | ~2.5–4 m |
| Spacing | Allow ~3–4 m clearance |
| Planting Time | Autumn or Spring |
Give it room to spread slightly to develop its graceful arching canopy fully.
How to grow Acer palmatum ‘Shirazz’
This is maple with a moderate growth rate, it will reach to around 5 metres in height over time with similar spread. A natural vase shape, tall but still small enough to use in many smaller gardens.
It is best to avoid hot sunny positions in warmer climates, dry soils are also best avoided.
- Choose a position with some protection from the heat of the afternoon sun, in warmer areas.
- Weed the soil, dig it over well adding well rotted compost and cow manure.
- Make sure the soil is well drained, hilling up f needed.
- The area prepare should be 3 times the diameter of the container, we suggest preparing a 2/3 to 1 metre circle.
- Plant Acer palmatum ‘Shirazz’ at the same depth it was in the container.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser
- Mulch around the plant with sugar can mulch or similar to maintain a cool moist root run and help suppress weeds.
- Fertilise using a slow release general purpose fertiliser in late winter. Extra aged cow or poultry manure can also be added each year before renewing the mulch.
Pruning Acer palmatum ‘Shirazz’
This type of maple requires little pruning. Remove dead or damaged wood as required.
More Japanese Maples
We Are Asked
Does ‘Shirazz’ grow well in container
Yes — with plenty of space and good drainage, this maple makes a striking patio specimen. Regular watering, but not wet and soggy and avoid extreme heat.
How often should I water?
Water regularly during establishment and during dry spells. Once established, moderate watering is usually enough as long as the soil drains well