Best way to describe the shindeshojo spring color is intense red. I'm posting a comparison photo in the gallery as an example.

The tree has incredible spring color. Mine seems to be growing quite well this year. I would definely recommed this tree.

what kind of height? what i read seems to differ. i want an upright tree that i can look up at, at least 10 ft/3 meters up. the tree i'm looking at is up to a little over 5ft with some upward new growth

Mine will never reach that height. It is a gorgeous tree, however, and spreading rather wide now. I'd say mine at 7 years is 5-6' tall and at least as wide, more shrub than tree. The spring color is very red--crimson--and fall color not a bad red, either. In summer, the green is suffused with a more pink undertone, and also very attractive. It is one of my very favorite maples in a moderate size collection.