Acer palmatum 'Shaina' | Cultivar Spotlight

Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Many nurserymen believe that spotting broom mutations in ornamental trees is a skill honed over time. Once mastered, one can find many brooms in various types of trees. One of the most skilled broom-hunting nurserymen was the late Dick Wolfe of Red Maple Nursery in Pennsylvania. Dick discovered ‘Shaina’ as a witches’ broom in a large Bloodgood-type Japanese maple in front of the Department of Public Safety Building at Villanova University. The broom, which hangs about 9 feet high, was named by Billy Schwartz after his daughter, a testament to their friendship and mentorship.

‘Shaina’ is Hebrew for “beautiful,” a fitting name for this stunning Japanese maple. It performs exceptionally well in the South, leafing out in bright red and maturing to a deeper red that holds throughout the summer. In the fall, the foliage turns a brilliant crimson red. 'Shaina' grows slowly, reaching a height and width of 3-4 feet by 3-5 feet in 15 years, making it ideal for small spaces and containers. This compact growth habit and vibrant color make 'Shaina' a beautiful and practical addition to any garden.