Overview
Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' is a bushy, spreading, upright, weeping, cascading shrubs in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include specimen trees, wildlife gardens and low maintenance.
About
Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' is a deciduous maple cultivar grown as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub, with forms ranging from upright to weeping. Leaves are shed each autumn. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and aspects and suits both exposed and sheltered positions. Flowering occurs in March to April.
About the genus
Acer is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples. The genus is placed in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. There are approximately 132 species, most of which are native to East Asia, with a number also appearing in Europe, northern Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Maple", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Maple
In the garden
Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' sits within the maples and is used where a compact small tree or multi-stemmed specimen is wanted. It carries deciduous foliage and produces spring flowers in March to April, adding a seasonal note before the canopy fully develops. Plant it where it will receive full sun or partial shade; either aspect is acceptable provided soil remains moist but well drained. It adapts to chalk, clay, loam or sand and grows on acid, neutral or alkaline soils, so soil type is rarely a limiting factor. The species rating H6 corresponds to very hardy in UK terms, so it will withstand typical winter conditions across most of Britain. Formally or informally planted, 'Red Dawn' works well as a standalone specimen, in wildlife-focused borders or where maintenance is kept light. It suits south-, east-, north- or west-facing positions and tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites. Expect early spring inflorescences of purplish-red sepals with small whitish petals and red stamens in March–April, which appear with or shortly after the emerging leaves.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acer
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading, Upright, Weeping, Cascading
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Specimen trees, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn'
- Propagation
- Seed, Grafting, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Acer gall mite, Aphids, Caterpillars, Horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn'?
Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' need?
Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' hardy in the UK?
Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Acer shirasawanum 'Red Dawn'?
Seed, Grafting, Softwood cuttings.
More in the Acer genus
- Acer grosseri
- Acer palmatum 'Englishtown' (Dw)Japanese Maple
- Acer palmatum 'Hippy-fin-mo' (Dw)Japanese Maple
- Acer palmatum 'Korin' (A)Japanese Maple