Acer Palmatum 'Shishigashira' 112cm Pot 300cm Height Outdoor Tree

Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’, commonly known as the Lion’s Head Maple, is a unique and highly sought-after cultivar of the Japanese maple. Unlike the typical finely dissected or broad-lobed forms, ‘Shishigashira’ stands out for its densely packed, crinkled foliage and striking, architectural habit.

🌿 Key Features:

• Foliage: Small, curled, crinkled leaves are arranged closely along the stems, giving a dense, almost sculptural appearance. The foliage emerges a deep rich green in spring and summer, turning stunning shades of gold, orange and red in autumn, often with multiple tones on the same tree.

• Habit: A slow-growing, upright, compact tree or large shrub typically reaching 2.5–4 metres high with a slightly narrower spread. The growth is stiffly upright at first, gradually developing into a picturesque, irregular shape with age.

• Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark adds subtle interest in winter once the leaves have fallen.

Its distinctive foliage texture and naturally tidy form make ‘Shishigashira’ ideal as a specimen in small gardens, courtyards, or for use in Japanese-style plantings. It’s also highly prized for bonsai.

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🌱 Detailed Care Guide for Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’

📍 Position & Light

• Prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight.

• Can tolerate more sun than many Japanese maples, which enhances its strong autumn colour, but still benefits from protection from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.

• Always plant in a sheltered spot, protected from strong winds.

🌬️ Shelter

• Important to avoid exposed sites. Cold or drying winds can damage foliage and lead to browning edges.

💧 Watering

• Likes soil to be consistently moist but well-drained.

• Water thoroughly during dry periods, particularly in the first few years or if grown in containers.

• Mulch annually in spring to conserve moisture and keep the shallow root system cool.

🪴 Soil

• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral, fertile, humus-rich soil.

• Avoid heavy clay or alkaline conditions. If needed, plant in raised beds or large containers using ericaceous compost with added grit for drainage.

🍽️ Feeding

• Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser or a feed specifically formulated for acers.

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which encourage soft growth more prone to wind and frost damage.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Requires minimal pruning.

• Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter while dormant.

• Avoid hard pruning, which disrupts its natural, unique structure.

🪲 Pests & Problems

• Generally pest-free and very low maintenance.

• May occasionally suffer aphids on tender new growth.

• Leaf scorch (brown edges or tips) is usually caused by drought, strong wind or intense sun, rather than disease.

🚰 Container Growing

• Excellent choice for growing in large pots, ideal for patios or small gardens.

• Use ericaceous compost mixed with grit, ensure containers have good drainage and are raised on pot feet.

• Keep well-watered, and in harsh winters, wrap pots or move to a sheltered spot to protect roots.

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