Inaba shidare

One of the best of the dissected cultivars, Acer palmatum 'Inaba Shidare' makes a lovely rounded plant 4-6 feet tall in the first 10 years, then becoming larger over time unless pruned. The foliage progresses from a deep purple in spring, then shading to a purple-red by mid summer, then, eventually, bright fiery red in fall. The lacy dissected leaves create a 'soft' look in the garden while giving great contrast to the greens of nearby plants. Often used near ponds, cascading down into the water for effect.