Acer palmatum 'Shojo nomura' Red Japanese Maple

'Shojo nomura' is an upright Japanese maple with dark purple foliage in spring that deepens to maroon through summer before turning bright scarlet to deep red in fall, maintaining rich color even in heat and shade better than most red cultivars. The broad, translucent leaves create striking backlighting effects when positioned to catch morning or evening sun. It reaches approximately 16-18 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity with a fast growth rate and upright branching habit. A selection by Yokohama Nursery in the 1960s, according to the growers at Mr Maple, the name translates colloquially to "red-faced monkey." The cultivar prefers well-draining soil and performs best in full sun in zones five through eight; in zone nine, late afternoon shade is beneficial. It pairs exceptionally well in the landscape with yellow-foliaged maples to create dramatic color contrast.