Common name: Deshojo Japanese Maple

Description: This outstanding cultivar of the Japanese Maple is renowned for its spectacular spring colour display. The palmate leaves emerge in spring with incredibly vibrant scarlet-red tones that are amongst the most intense of any Japanese maple. This brilliant red colour gradually transitions through summer to bronze-green, before transforming again in autumn to brilliant orange and red tones. The leaves are of typical palm-shaped form with five distinct lobes. 'Deshojo' develops a compact, upright habit with well-balanced branching that creates an attractive, dense canopy. This variety is particularly valued for its exceptional spring colour, which provides a stunning focal point in the garden when many other plants are just beginning to emerge. It's an excellent choice for creating dramatic seasonal interest.

Other benefits: exceptional spring colour display, compact growth habit, reliable autumn colour, outstanding specimen tree

Wildlife attraction: bees, small birds for seeds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2m x 1.5m

Position: full sun to partial shade; benefits from some afternoon shade in hot climates

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions

Moisture: consistent moisture preferred; mulching beneficial; avoid waterlogged conditions

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -25°C