Kamagata
‘Kamagata’ is a compact Japanese maple, appreciated for its small, narrow leaves (often slightly pendant) and its good performance in bright conditions. The foliage is green through the season, often with subtle reddish tones on new growth, then finishes the year very decoratively, sometimes reaching ruby to scarlet red in autumn.
Character & interest
‘Kamagata’ belongs to the “small-growing” cultivars: a dense, well-branched silhouette that is easy to place in the garden or in a container. The leaf shape (rather narrow lobes, sometimes slightly “hanging”) adds a fine, light texture that is especially enjoyable up close.
Colours
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Spring : green with often reddish tips/edges on new growth.
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Summer r: a clearer, deeper green; dense foliage.
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Autumn : yellow → orange → red, with some specimens finishing scarlet / ruby red.
Habit & vigour
Compact habit, rather upright to bushy, naturally well branched. Steady, regular vigour.
Indicative size
Dwarf/compact cultivar: an often-quoted order of magnitude is around 1 to 2 m, depending on training, soil and climate.
Exposure
Best results in gentle sun or bright partial shade. In hot situations, protecting from afternoon sun helps keep foliage more consistent and limits summer leaf marking.
Origin & history
‘Kamagata’ is a selection discovered/named and popularised by J.D. Vertrees (Oregon, USA).
| Groupe MS | 11. Palmatum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Bushy |
| Vigueur | Lente |
| Taille 10 ans | Petit (1-2m) |
| Forme de feuille | Palmate |
| Couleur Printemps | Vert bordé rouge |
| Couleur Été | Green |
| Couleur Automne | Jaune / Orange |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
