I've recently put in a pond / stream / waterfall combo and I know that a smallish Japanese maple would look great next to the pond / waterfall. I think it should be red and under 6-feet tall. However, I don't think the laceleaf variety is what I'm looking for... the frilly leaves just don't look right overhanging a pond. Elsewhere in my yard, I already have Inable Shidare, Beni Otake, Villa Taranto, Koto No Ito, Shishishigara, as well as a Golden Full Moon Maple. Does anybody have any suggestions? I've been thinking about Pixie or Wilson's Pink Dwarf, but I have never seen either of these in mature form.
If you don't want a dissectum, what about going with a weeping palmate, like Ryu sen? Green leaves, I know, but you could stake it as high as you want it. There is supposed to be a new cultivar like Ryu sen, but with red leaves, coming available this/next year called Dragon's Tears - maybe look into that? I would also suggest Olsen's Frosted Strawberry, or perhaps Aekan Ie's (strap leaf), both would give you your pop of color.
