Patio Acer Tree | Acer palmatum 'Inaba-shidare'
Punchy purple patio hues
Grown by Mike's trusted specialists
Europe
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Order before midday for next day delivery
Order before midday for next day delivery
Pre-order for delivery by Early November
Pre-order for delivery by Early November
Order before midday for next day delivery
Pre-order for delivery by Early November
Order before midday for next day delivery
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Patio Acer Tree
Acer palmatum 'Inaba-shidare'
- If you're looking to add instant impact to your patio, then look no further than Acer palmatum 'Inaba-shidare'! With enticing, deeply dissected purple foliage that takes on attractive red shades come autumn, this compact acer can be grown on even the smallest of paved outdoor spaces or balconies.
- Easily grown in a pot, this low-maintenance tree just needs a light prune every winter to keep that distinctive patio shape and height (around the one-and-a-half metre mark). Over time, the branches arch and weep slightly, adding even further to the tree's already sizeable overall impact.
- Perfect for a calming, Japanese-style patio, this maple works wonderfully paired with potted foliage plants like ferns and bamboo. Add a little water feature and you've got yourself a tranquil oasis right on your doorstep.
- The lace-like texture of the leaves adds another sensory element, inviting you to trace your fingers gently through the foliage.
- A recipient of the RHS's prestigious Award of Garden Merit, 'Inaba-shidare' is certainly deserving of a starring role on your patio paving.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual spread
Habit
Hardiness
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Patio Acer Tree is a compact variety excellent for long-term container growing. Start with a 40-50cm diameter pot and repot every 2-3 years. Ensure the pot has good drainage. Protect the roots from severe frosts below -5°C.
How big does it get?
The Patio Acer Tree 'Inaba-shidare' is a dwarf, weeping variety, usually reaching a height and spread of 1 to 1.5 metres.
How much sunlight does this need?
Patio Acer Tree prefers dappled shade.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Patio Acer Tree prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive. Ensure the soil does not freeze below -5°C for optimal root health, applying a 5cm layer of mulch in winter.
How much watering does this plant need?
Patio Acer Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Patio Acer Tree should be pruned while fully dormant in winter, ideally when temperatures are below 5°C, to prevent sap bleeding.
How hardy is this plant?
Acer palmatum 'Inaba-shidare' is fully hardy in the UK with an RHS rating of H6, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°C, but as a patio tree, its pot may need winter insulation.
The wider garden
Europe
Meet Mike's trusted specialists
Start with a touch of continental sun
Over 99% of our plants are grown in the UK, but where that’s not possible, Mike sources the best specialist growers in Europe for the job. Think citrus warmed by Sicilian sun, topiary trained by Dutch masters, almonds nourished in the Dordogne and bamboo bathed in Tuscan heat. Our handpicked growers nurture these plants to maturity before handing over to our team in the Cotswolds, to toughen them up for UK gardens.
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