Regarded as the best red spring foliage color of any Japanese maple, award-winning Acer palmatum 'Shin-deshojo' is a compact deciduous shrub or small tree, primarily grown for its striking spring foliage color. Emerging bright and showy crimson-red in spring, the small, pointed, lobed, serrated leaves gradually fade to green speckled with white in summer. In the fall, the delicate foliage turns lovely shades of red and orange, before shedding to the ground. As the leaves fall, they expose the reddish-brown bark on young twigs and branches, adding a much-needed splash of color to the winter landscape. Small, pretty reddish flowers appear in spring, but they are not showy. They give way to samaras that ripen in late summer to fall. Slow-growing, 'Shin-deshojo' features an upright, rounded habit and adds sparkles to the landscape.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Grows up to 5-10 ft. tall and wide (150-300 cm).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. Leaf scorch can be caused by a lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure.
• Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens, city gardens, or containers.
• Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
• May be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
• Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings.