Goshiki shidare
‘Goshiki shidare’ is a weeping, laceleaf Japanese maple (Dissectum group) with highly sought-after variegated foliage, mixing spring tones of pink, white/cream and purplish-brown over a greener base. In summer, it settles into a bronze-green, with variegation often more discreet, then autumn shifts to pinkish-yellow through orange. A rare and delicate cultivar, superb in a container—provided you prune out any branches that revert to green in order to maintain the variegation.
Character & interest
‘Goshiki shidare’ is, above all, a collector dissectum: the classic “lace” texture comes from the group, but the variegation adds a very lively, multicoloured look—especially in spring.
Important: like several variegated dissectums, it may produce non-variegated (green) shoots. To preserve the cultivar’s character, it is recommended to remove these shoots as soon as they are spotted, because they can be more vigorous and take over.
Colours
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Spring : purplish-brown foliage variegated with pink and white/cream (intensity varies with exposure and vigour).
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Summer : often more bronze-green; variegation may still be visible as lighter/pinkish touches.
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Autumn : pinkish-yellow to orange tones (sometimes stronger depending on conditions).
Habit & vigour
Weeping, spreading habit, forming a supple dome (typical dissectum). Slow to moderate vigour.
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: often around 1 to 1.5 m tall, with a spread that can reach 1.5 to 2 m (varies with age, conditions and graft height).
Exposure
Light shade / bright partial shade recommended. A sheltered position (limited drying wind) and a soil that stays fresh but well-drained help keep the foliage clean and limit scorching. Variegation is often described as best in filtered light.
| Groupe MS | 7. Dissectum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Weeping |
| Vigueur | Lente |
| Taille 10 ans | Petit (1-2m) |
| Forme de feuille | Dissectum |
| Couleur Printemps | Rose / Blanc / Vert |
| Couleur Été | Vert / Blanc |
| Couleur Automne | Jaune / Orange |
| Exposure | Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
