Hino tsukasa
‘Hino tsukasa’ is a red Japanese maple with an upright habit, appreciated for its clear, luminous red tone that can remain strongly coloured in a well-lit position. In spring, it starts a vivid red, shifts to a bronze-red in summer, then blazes into a very bright scarlet red in autumn. An excellent choice if you’re looking for a red cultivar that doesn’t “fade out” easily—both in a container and in the garden.
Character & interest
‘Hino tsukasa’ is often presented as a high-performing red in gentle sun: it isn’t a very dark purple, but a brighter, more vibrant red, with a true “flame” look in season. Many growers highlight its ability to keep a red coloration longer than many classic red Japanese maples—provided extremes are avoided (dry soil,
Colours
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Spring : luminous red at budbreak.
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Summer : bronze-red / deep red (depending on exposure).
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Autumn : very vivid scarlet red.
Habit & vigour
Upright habit, slender and rather open silhouette. Moderate to good vigour, steady growth.
Indicative size
As a guide: around 2 to 4 m ultimately depending on conditions, with a spread often 2 to 3 m. Some estimates suggest around 3 m at about 10 years in favourable in-ground conditions (significant variability depending on climate, soil and training).
Exposure
Bright partial shade to gentle sun. This cultivar is often considered very comfortable in sun if the soil stays moist yet well-drained. In hot climates, protection from dry wind and scorching afternoon sun improves foliage quality (especially in a container).
Origin & history
‘Hino tsukasa’ is presented as a Japanese selection from the Tsukasa nursery.
| Groupe MS | 2. Atropurpureum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Upright |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Amoenum |
| Couleur Printemps | Red |
| Couleur Été | Rouge / Vert-bronze |
| Couleur Automne | Rouge écarlate |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
