Acer palmatum 'Hime shojo'

Acer palmatum 'Hime shojo

Acer palmatum ‘Hime Shojo’ is a dwarf Japanese maple prized for its compact, dense habit and rich red foliage. The name “Hime” means small (referring to its petite size and leaves), and “Shojo” refers to its deep red/maroon colouring — together making it an attractive, small-scale ornamental tree perfect for petite gardens, containers, or bonsai.  

Foliage & Seasonal Color:



Spring: Leaves emerge bright cherry-red to maroon-red and hold strong color into summer.  



Summer: Mature foliage often becomes dark maroon-red, with rich, full color even in partial shade.  



Fall: Leaves transition to deep reds and maintain vibrant autumn interest.  



Size & Habit:



Mature Size: Typically ~4–6 ft tall × ~4–6 ft wide (compact, shrubby tree).



Growth Rate: Slow to moderate — great for small spaces and containers.



Form: Dense, multi-stemmed, and well-branched, with a tidy crown.




☀️ Growing Conditions


USDA Zones: ~5–9 (adaptable with proper siting).



Light: Full sun to partial shade — best color in sun, but afternoon shade helps in hot climates.



Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter.



Water: Even moisture — water regularly during establishment and dry spells; mulch helps retain moisture.



Wind Protection: A sheltered site helps preserve delicate foliage.




🌿 Care Tips


Mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture.



Minimal pruning: Only remove dead wood or lightly shape during winter dormancy.



Avoid intense afternoon sun in very hot climates to prevent scorch.




🌱 Landscape Uses


Containers & patio accents — compact size makes it excellent in pots.



Small gardens & borders — provides rich color without overwhelming space.



Bonsai & fairy gardens — ideal for ornamental miniature plantings.



Works well in mixed shrub borders, courtyard gardens, and Japanese-style landscapes.




Short tag version:
Compact dwarf Japanese maple with bright red to maroon foliage spring through fall, dense habit ~4–6 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide; ideal for small gardens and containers (USDA ~5–9). 

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Japanese Maple

Height

4-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Hot Pink, Red

Fall color

Maroon

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Globe Shaped

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

6'

10-year width

6'