Shishigashira Japanese Maple
Best sculptural choice for small gardens and container gardening enthusiasts.
The Shishigashira Japanese Maple is a compact, shrubby deciduous tree known for its uniquely textured foliage. It features heavily curled green leaves that develop striking purple-red tones with orange-red patterns in the fall, especially when grown in full sun. This variety is less prone to sunburn than others, making it an excellent choice for bonsai, containers, or small garden spaces. Its highly sculptural form matures gracefully, reaching up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It thrives with average to moist water needs and prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil, requiring shelter from drying winds.
$119.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
8
/ 1377
#8 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
+12%
Above average
Mature Height
15
/ feet
Who it's for
- Homeowners wanting a high-impact seasonal color display
- Gardeners seeking unique, sculptural foliage for year-round visual interest
- Urban dwellers with limited space for large-scale landscaping
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate height and mature impact
- Residents in hot climates lacking shaded garden spots
- Low-maintenance gardeners preferring hands-off plant care
Performance breakdown
Foliage Texture
Heavily curled leaves provide unmatched visual interest and sculptural depth.
Sun Tolerance
Superior resistance to leaf scorch compared to other Japanese Maple varieties.
Container Suitability
Compact, slow-growing habit makes it a perfect candidate for decorative pots.
Seasonal Color
Vibrant autumn transition offers a striking display of red and orange.
Maintenance Ease
Requires consistent moisture and protection from harsh, drying winds.
Bonsai Potential
Naturally dense, sculptural form is ideal for artistic training and shaping.
Key Specs
Mature Height
15 feet
Mature Width
10 feet
Growth Rate
Slow
Hardiness Zone
5
Water Needs
Average to Moist
Pruning Time
Prune In Full Leaf
Light Needs
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Genus Name
Acer
Features
- Foliage features heavily curled leaves for interesting texture
- Fall color is intense and less likely to sunburn in full sun
- Highly sculptural form improves with age
- Requires deep, regular watering in the first growing season
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the exceptional quality and health of the Shishigashira maple upon delivery. Reviewers consistently highlight the tree's robust structure and the unique, architectural design of its foliage, often called the "Lion's Mane." The careful packaging ensures the plant arrives undamaged, justifying the premium price point for many gardeners seeking a mature, vigorous specimen. Sentiment is high, reflecting satisfaction with the plant's vigor and aesthetic appeal in the landscape.
Know before you buy
This variety is a slow grower that typically reaches a mature height of 15 feet and a width of 10 feet. Its compact, sculptural habit makes it well-suited for smaller garden spaces or large containers.
It is quite versatile and can thrive in either partial shade or full sun. Unlike many other Japanese maples, the Shishigashira is less prone to leaf scorch, making it a reliable choice for sunnier spots.
It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. You should aim to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during its first growing season when deep, regular watering is essential for establishing a healthy root system.
You should prune your Shishigashira when it is in full leaf. This timing allows you to better visualize the sculptural form and make cuts that enhance its unique, curled foliage structure.
Yes, its slow growth rate, compact habit, and uniquely textured, curled leaves make it a popular and excellent choice for bonsai enthusiasts.
While it is hardy down to zone 5, it does appreciate being sheltered from drying winds. Placing it in a spot protected from harsh gusts will help keep the foliage looking its best throughout the season.
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