Trees

Acer palmatum 'Shin-deshōjō'

Shin-deshojo Japanese maple

Shin-deshōjō Japanese maple in spring. Photo: Michael Wolf / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Shin-deshojo is a compact, bushy Japanese maple with a striking change of foliage through the year. Lobed leaves open red in spring, become green with white speckling over summer, then turn reddish orange in autumn. Its appeal is the changing palette rather than persistent dark-red summer foliage.

At a glance

Sun: Dappled shade
Size: Height: 5–8 ft (RHS mature estimate, 10–20 years) · Width: 5–8 ft (RHS mature estimate, 10–20 years)
Water: Evenly moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–8

Sizes & prices

#2Shin Deshojo Japanese Maple BonsaiCall for price
7"Shin Deshojo Japanese Maple Bonsai$125.00

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Small-garden ornamental specimen
Foliage: Deciduous
Form: Compact, bushy
Growth rate: Slow

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Mild resistance reported for Japanese maple; protect young trees.
Drought: Poor tolerance; dry soil can scorch leaves.
Wet soil: Needs drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Seasonal interest

Spring foliage: Salmon-red
Summer foliage: Green
Fall color: Orange-scarlet

Growing & care

Site: Shelter from drying winds and harsh afternoon sun.
Pruning: Keep pruning minimal and preserve the natural branching. Remove dead or crossing shoots; make small corrective cuts after full leaf expansion to limit sap bleeding. Cut back to a well-placed side branch, without leaving stubs.
Soil: Humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist but freely draining soil; avoid saturated planting pockets.

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Iowa State University Extension

Royal Horticultural Society

Monrovia

Photo: Michael Wolf · CC BY-SA 3.0

Image notes: Shin-deshōjō Japanese maple in spring. Photo: Michael Wolf / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia 960 px thumbnail; no other edits.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.