How to Grow Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple

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Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare'

tree

Inaba Shidare is a weeping Japanese maple cultivar prized for its delicate, finely dissected deep red foliage and gracefully cascading branching habit. This deciduous ornamental tree maintains its vibrant red color throughout the growing season and transforms to brilliant crimson in fall. It typically grows 8-12 feet tall with a pendulous, fountain-like form that makes it an excellent specimen tree for gardens and landscapes.

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Example Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to dappled sunlight; 3-6 hours of indirect light daily. In cooler zones, more sun is acceptable; in hot climates (zone 8+), afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch.

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice weekly during the growing season, more frequently in hot weather. Reduce watering in fall and winter when dormant. Drought stress can cause leaf scorch and reduced vigor.

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Spacing: 120-180 inches

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Days to maturity: Not applicable (ornamental tree); reaches mature form in 10-15 years

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not plant deeper than the original nursery pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moisture-retentive soil; avoid compacted clay

pH: 5.5-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or aged compost Leaf mold Sand for drainage Mulch (2-3 inches) to retain moisture and regulate temperature

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 5b-9a; performs best in zones 6-8

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Newly Planted/Establishment

3-6 months

Young tree recently transplanted; root system is establishing and foliage may show stress or wilting initially

Water thoroughly and consistently; provide afternoon shade and wind protection for the first year; avoid fertilizing in the first season; maintain mulch layer

Early Growth

1-3 years

Tree develops new shoots and foliage; branching structure becomes more defined; gradual increase in size

Continue consistent watering; minimal pruning except to remove dead wood; apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring; monitor for pests

Vegetative/Structural Development

3-8 years

Tree grows more vigorously; weeping form becomes more pronounced; foliage fills in; branching architecture is established

Prune selectively in late winter to enhance weeping form; thin crowded branches; maintain consistent moisture; apply balanced fertilizer annually in spring

Mature/Full Color Display

8+ years (ongoing)

Tree reaches established size; exhibits full weeping habit; foliage is dense with deep red color throughout season; fall color intensifies to brilliant crimson

Minimal pruning; prune only to remove dead/diseased wood or to maintain shape; maintain mulch; consistent watering essential during dry spells; light spring feeding

Dormancy

3-4 months (October-February)

In fall, foliage turns brilliant crimson/burgundy; leaves drop completely; tree is bare through winter

Reduce watering; do not fertilize; protect from harsh winter winds and temperature swings in colder zones; minimal maintenance

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hostas Ferns (Dryopteris, Polystichum) Heuchera Astilbe Hellebores Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) Corydalis Liriope

Avoid planting near:

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) — produces juglone toxin Lawn grass competing for moisture Aggressive tree roots (silver maple, willows) Salt-laden areas or de-icing salt exposure

Common Pests

Hand-pick early morning; use insecticidal soap; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; may require insecticide in severe cases
Strong water spray; neem oil spray; insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Dormant oil spray in late winter; insecticidal soap during growing season; prune heavily infested branches
Increase humidity with regular misting; neem oil or miticide spray; strong water spray to dislodge
Improve drainage; avoid wounding tree; prune infected branches; no chemical cure; plant resistant cultivars
Ensure afternoon shade in hot climates; maintain consistent moisture; mulch to moderate soil temperature; avoid salt exposure

Uses

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Specimen Landscape Tree

Ornamental

Inaba Shidare serves as a striking focal point in gardens with its graceful weeping habit and persistent deep red foliage. Perfect for Japanese gardens, shade gardens, or as a standalone specimen where its cascading form can be fully appreciated. [source]

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Autumn Color Display

Ornamental

The tree provides exceptional fall interest, transforming from deep red summer foliage to brilliant crimson in autumn. Its late-season color display extends the visual appeal of the garden well into October and November. [source]

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Seasonal Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

The tree provides shelter for birds and beneficial insects throughout the growing season. While not a major fruit producer, its structure offers nesting sites and protective cover. [source]

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Shade Garden Partner

Ornamental

Ideal for creating dappled shade beneath its canopy, making it perfect for planting shade-loving understory plants like hostas and ferns. The elevated canopy of mature trees allows light to filter through to planted areas below. [source]

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Container Gardening

Ornamental

Dwarf or young specimens can be grown in large containers (20-30+ gallons) on patios, making Japanese maple accessible to urban gardeners and those with limited space. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not applicable for ornamental tree; no harvest intended. Enjoy foliage color display spring through fall. Prune selectively in late winter (February-March before spring growth) to enhance weeping form and remove dead wood. Remove lower branches if desired to display trunk.

Fun Facts

🌱 Japanese maples have been cultivated and selectively bred in Japan for over 1,000 years; the 'Inaba Shidare' cultivar is one of the most prized weeping forms, prized for its consistent deep red coloration even in cooler zones.
🌱 The name 'Inaba Shidare' translates to 'Inaba Weeping,' with Inaba referring to an ancient Japanese province, reflecting its heritage in Japanese ornamental horticulture.
🌱 Japanese maples are surprisingly shallow-rooted trees, making them susceptible to drought stress and winter wind damage if not properly protected; mulching is critical for success in colder climates.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Mulch Partial Shade Transplant

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