Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira' | 6 Litre Pot | 40cm - 50cm Height

Discover the unique charm of Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’, a captivating Japanese maple celebrated for its extraordinary crinkled leaves and dense, upright form. This slow-growing tree brings year-round interest and a touch of elegance to any UK garden.

Known affectionately as the ‘Lion’s Mane Maple’, Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ presents a truly distinctive presence. Its unique foliage and compact nature make it a prized specimen for diverse garden settings. Gardeners often choose this exquisite cultivar for its reliable beauty and manageable size, ensuring it remains a focal point season after season. Furthermore, its striking autumn colours add incredible warmth and texture to the landscape.

Key Features of Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’

• Unique, crinkled, deeply lobed green leaves.
• Spectacular golden-orange to crimson autumn foliage.
• Dense, upright, and compact growth habit.
• Striking architectural form with gnarled branches.
• Ideal for smaller gardens, containers, and courtyards.
• Adds texture and year-round interest to borders.

About Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’

The name ‘Shishigashira’ originates from Japan, translating to ‘lion’s head’ or ‘lion’s mane’. This name aptly describes the plant’s distinctive foliage, which appears crinkled and densely packed, much like a lion’s thick mane. Each leaf displays deep lobes, creating an intriguing, almost sculptural quality. This unique texture sets it apart from other Japanese maples, offering a rich visual experience throughout the growing season.

In spring and summer, Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ showcases vibrant green leaves. These robust leaves hold their colour well, providing a lush backdrop in the garden. As autumn approaches, a dramatic transformation occurs. The foliage transitions through an array of warm hues, typically from brilliant golden-orange to rich crimson reds and purples. This fiery display creates a spectacular focal point, drawing the eye and adding a burst of colour just as other plants begin to fade.

This Japanese maple typically forms a dense, upright, and somewhat columnar shape. Its growth is slow, making it an excellent choice for gardens where space is a consideration. You can use this plant as a superb specimen in a mixed border or as an elegant accent near a patio. Its gnarled, sculptural branches give it a wonderful architectural quality, adding interest even when the leaves have fallen in winter.

Gardeners often plant ‘Shishigashira’ in large containers, which allows for versatility in placement and highlights its distinct form. Place it in a courtyard or on a balcony to bring sophisticated beauty. Minimal pruning is usually required; simply remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late summer or early autumn. This practice avoids sap bleed and maintains its natural, beautiful shape. While not a primary food source, like many trees, Acer palmatum ‘Shishigashira’ does provide shelter and a habitat for various garden insects, contributing to local biodiversity.