Ibo nishiki
‘Ibo nishiki’ is a Japanese maple appreciated for its rough bark that, over time, develops small corky warts (a “warty / cork bark” effect). The foliage is green through the season, then the tree colours in autumn in shades ranging from yellow-orange to red, often a strong red. A characterful cultivar, very interesting in a container and for bonsai thanks to the trunk’s true four-season interest.
Character & interest
The main asset of ‘Ibo nishiki’ is its bark: it develops a “granular”, corky relief, generally more subtle than on other very fissured-bark maples (such as ‘Arakawa’ / ‘Nishiki gawa’), but very decorative—especially in winter.
This effect does not always appear immediately: the bark may take several years to become marked, which is normal for this type of cultivar.
Colours
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Spring : green foliage (sometimes with slight pinkish/purplish nuances along the edges of the young leaves, depending on conditions).
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Summer : green.
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Autumn : colour varies with the year and exposure, often yellow → orange → red, and frequently red at the end.
Habit & vigour
Rather upright habit, forming a small tree. Moderate vigour, with regular growth.
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: about 2.5 m at 10 years (according to some references). Other indications suggest a more contained size at 10 years (around 1–1.5 m), and a potential of 3–5 m with age in the ground. These figures remain variable depending on soil, climate and training.
Exposure
Gentle sun / bright partial shade. In a container, protection from drying wind and scorching afternoon sun helps keep the foliage clean.
| Groupe MS | 12. Pinebark |
|---|---|
| Habit | Upright |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Palmate |
| Couleur Printemps | Green |
| Couleur Été | Green |
| Couleur Automne | Jaune / Orange |
| Bark | Corky |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
