What: Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’ is a smaller growing Japanese maple that becomes a low dense and compact globe of small red foliage. In spring the leaves emerge a bright red that deepen to a dark maroon in summer. The foliage forms dense tufts at the ends of short twiggy branches and can develop an interesting and intricate form with some pruning. The maroon leaves turn a brilliant crimson in the fall. This is an ideal selection for containers or as a colorful accent in a small garden.
Where: This dwarf maple develops the best foliage color in light to open shade. Japanese maples are surprisingly flexible in their soil requirements, but this slow dwarf will grow best in a rich well-drained soil or sandy soil.
Size: Grows to 4 feet high by 3 feet wide in 10 years.
Care: To prevent the small leaves from burning at the tips avoid hot locations and water the tree regularly during dry weather. Consult expert help for pruning.
— greatplantpicks.org
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