Hime Shojo Japanese Maple

Hime Shojo Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Hime Shojo')

Hime Shojo Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Hime Shojo') is a true dwarf red selection with tiny, finely lobed leaves that emerge vivid crimson, hold rich burgundy in summer, and finish bright scarlet in fall; its very compact, mounded habit offers refined texture and close up color for rock gardens, borders, and containers.

Distinctive Features

'Hime Shojo' bears miniature foliage on short internodes, creating a dense, tidy dome with excellent red saturation for a dwarf; slow, even growth makes an ideal specimen for near viewing.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to partial shade; provide afternoon protection in hot regions.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain steady moisture; avoid drought and soggy conditions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 2 to 4 ft tall, 3 to 5 ft wide, very slow growing.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Intense red dwarf canopy draws attention in tight spaces.
• Containers: Perfect for patio pots and troughs where details shine.
• Front Borders: Adds color and structure along paths and terraces.
• Rock Gardens: Nests neatly among stones and low perennials.
• Bonsai Training: Small leaves and tight nodes suit styling.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil evenly moist.
• Pruning: Minimal; light thinning in late winter to preserve the mound.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and afternoon shade in hot sites to limit scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Hime Shojo Japanese Maple?

• Dwarf Precision: Naturally compact habit for patios and small gardens.
• Rich Seasonal Color: Crimson spring flush with vivid fall finish.
• Refined Texture: Tiny leaves and dense branching read elegant.
• Design Versatility: Suits containers, borders, rockeries, and bonsai.
• Low Maintenance: Slow growth and tidy structure need little pruning.

For the richest color and best vigor, grow in morning sun with afternoon shade and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.