Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard – A Stunning, Elegant Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard is a unique and exquisite Japanese Maple variety with a graceful weeping form and vibrant, finely cut leaves. Known for its delicate cascading branches and deep red to purple foliage, it offers an eye-catching presence in any garden or landscape. Whether used as a specimen tree, in small gardens, or as part of a Japanese-inspired landscape, Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard adds beauty, drama, and texture, creating a stunning focal point in the landscape.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In spring, the tree unfurls its delicate purple-red leaves, which are finely dissected, creating a soft, lace-like texture. The fresh, vibrant foliage provides an immediate burst of colour, brightening any garden or outdoor space.
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Summer: As the leaves mature, they turn to a deep purple, maintaining their soft texture and adding a rich, elegant tone throughout the summer months.
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Autumn: In fall, the foliage transforms into a stunning mix of red, orange, and yellow hues, offering a spectacular autumn display.
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Winter: Even in winter, the tree's graceful weeping branches and intricate leafless structure provide visual interest, creating a striking silhouette against the winter sky.
Structure & Form
Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard is a half-standard tree, meaning it has a single, upright trunk topped with a dense, weeping canopy. This tree typically reaches a height of 1.8 to 2.5m, with a spread of up to 2.5m. Its delicate, finely dissected leaves and cascading branches create a graceful, mounding form that brings elegance and movement to the landscape. The half-standard form makes this tree ideal for adding a touch of drama and sophistication to both small and larger garden settings.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Small Gardens & Courtyards – Ideal for adding a focal point and a sense of elegance to compact spaces, Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard is perfect for small gardens or courtyards.
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Japanese & Woodland Gardens – This tree’s graceful form and deep foliage make it an excellent choice for Japanese-inspired landscapes or woodland gardens, where it will blend beautifully with other natural elements.
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Rock Gardens & Water Features – Its cascading branches make it a stunning addition to rock gardens or water features, where the branches can spill gracefully over rocks or water, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
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Container Gardens – Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard thrives in containers, making it a beautiful choice for patios, balconies, or entryways, where it can be appreciated from close range.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard prefers partial shade, though it can tolerate some morning sun. In hotter climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils, thriving in loamy, rich soils that retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
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Hardiness: Hardy to frost, but some protection from strong winds or extreme cold is recommended to protect its delicate branches, especially in colder climates.
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Maintenance: This tree requires minimal care. Its half-standard form is low-maintenance, needing little pruning beyond occasional shaping or removing dead or damaged branches. Regular watering during dry spells will help maintain the tree's health.
Why Choose Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard?
Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard is a stunning choice for adding elegance, texture, and vibrant color to any landscape. Its unique half-standard form combined with fine, dissected foliage creates a tree that is both dramatic and delicate. Whether used as a specimen tree, as part of a Japanese-inspired garden, or in containers, it offers year-round beauty and visual interest, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add something special to their space.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Evergreens – Pair with Taxus baccata (English Yew) or Ilex aquifolium (Holly) to create a contrasting backdrop that highlights the deep red and purple tones of the tree’s leaves.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Rhododendron or Azalea to add spring colour that complements the vibrant foliage of 'Inaba Shidare'.
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Perennials – Underplant with Astilbe, Hosta, or Heuchera to add texture and interest beneath the canopy.
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Groundcovers – Use Pachysandra terminalis or Vinca minor (Periwinkle) to create a lush, green carpet around the tree.
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Other Deciduous Trees – Pair with other Japanese Maples, or smaller trees like Prunus (Cherry) or Malus (Crabapple) for a layered, colorful landscape with complementary foliage and flowers.
Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' Half Standard is a graceful and dramatic addition to any garden. Its weeping form and vibrant seasonal colour make it an excellent choice for creating a striking focal point or adding elegance to smaller spaces, containers, and ornamental plantings. Whether placed in a Japanese garden, rock garden, or container, it will provide beauty and year-round interest.
