Acer palmatum (syn. 'Chishio') 'SHISHIO' Japanese maple
Acer
Japanese maples are very decorative and usually low shrubs, occasionally small trees, with attractive foliage and picturesque structure. There are many varieties in various shades of green, chartreuse, golden and yellow, red to maroon, and even multicoloured (variegated). They originate from Asia (Japan, China, Korea), where they have been cultivated for at least two centuries or perhaps even longer, however, they were introduced to Europe only at the beginning of the 19th century, specifically to Great Britain in 1820. Interestingly, the botanist Carl Peter Thunberg described them much earlier, in 1784, because he undertook an expedition to Japan in 1775-1776, discovering new species and collecting seeds and plants. He named the tree Acer palmatum, referring to the leaf shape resembling a human hand with fingers, although it is said that they first reminded him of frog fingers, which is also one of its oldest Japanese names: kaede. The other is momiji (baby hands). The beauty of the colours and shapes of the leaves and trees is reflected in many arts, for example, in the oldest preserved collection of Japanese poetry from the 8th century, the Man'yōshū (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves). The Chinese poet Wang Wei (699-759) celebrated their beauty in many of his works, and naturally, maples often appeared in ancient paintings, tapestries, porcelain, and wherever classic and traditional decorations associated with the symbolism of these maples were desired: beauty and elegance, serenity, endurance, vitality, and transformation.
Shishio is a Japanese maple with surprisingly regular habit. Its branches grow upright in the angle of about 45 degrees forming a compact shrub. It looks great on a stem. The deciduous leaves are palmate, red when young, changing to medium green in summer and red again in autumn. Slow grower to about 2.5m. Pruning is not needed as it forms a dense and compact shrub even when young. It is an easy-care, hardy plant, which does not need much maintenance. For best leaf colouring it needs plenty of sun so make sure the roots are well mulched, too.
Japanese maples grow best in well‑drained, humus‑rich and slightly acidic soil that remains evenly moist but never waterlogged – in heavy clay they suffer from lack of oxygen, decline quickly and often die. Their roots are shallow, so the soil around the plant should not be disturbed after planting; companion plants should be established immediately and the whole area mulched, ideally for the entire year. Watering is essential after planting until the tree has rooted, and later during prolonged dry periods – they tolerate short droughts poorly compared with cool, moist soil, yet overwatering is equally harmful. Fertilising is neither required nor recommended. Light requirements vary by type. Upright red‑leaved forms are the most tolerant of full, all‑day sun and cope well even with summer heat and short dry spells. Upright green‑leaved forms tolerate sun in temperate climates, but in regions with intense summer heat they require at least partial afternoon shade or regular irrigation. Finely cut dissectum forms and weeping cultivars generally perform better in partial shade or filtered light, where their delicate lobes are less prone to scorching, although in cooler climates they can grow in full sun. Variegated cultivars need sufficient light to maintain their patterning, but direct midday sun easily burns the pale areas, so bright but diffused light suits them best; it is always advisable to follow the specific requirements of each cultivar. Dry, crisped leaf tips without wilting, and blackening of young shoots, are not signs of drought but of monilinia blight, which more frequently affects red‑leaved cultivars and those with coloured stems; prompt treatment with an appropriate fungicide is necessary. Pruning should be limited to essential shaping and the removal of dead or damaged branches, ideally in late summer or during winter, when the risk of heavy sap bleeding is minimal. Fully hardy to USDA zone 5b (about -28°C).
Last update 20-02-2010
