Kashima
‘Kashima’ is a dwarf, very compact Japanese maple, appreciated for its very small leaves (often 2–3 cm) and dense branching. In spring, the foliage emerges yellow-green with a red edging on the young leaves, then turns green in summer. In autumn, it colours from yellow to orange. An ideal cultivar for containers, and highly sought after for bonsai training.
Character & interest
‘Kashima’ combines two rare qualities: small leaves and a naturally very dense silhouette. The plant often forms a compact little dome, with a tendency to spread gently, which makes it easy to integrate in a limited space. The red spring edging adds a fine decorative touch, then autumn warms the whole plant with yellow-orange tones.
Colours
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Spring : yellow-green to soft green, with a red margin (or reddish tips) on new leaves.
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Summer : green.
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Autumn : yellow to orange (sometimes a deeper orange depending on conditions).
Habit & vigour
Very compact habit, often cushion-shaped / a small dome, with tight branching. Slow growth.
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: around 1 m (or more) at maturity in many descriptions, with a height often close to 1 m at 10 years. In the ground and with age, some specimens can become wider than tall (variability depending on conditions).
Exposure
Bright partial shade or gentle sun. Good light encourages a dense habit, but protection from scorching sun and dry wind improves the foliage’s hold (especially in a pot).
| Groupe MS | 11. Palmatum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Érigé étalé |
| Vigueur | Lente |
| Taille 10 ans | Petit (1-2m) |
| Forme de feuille | Palmate |
| Couleur Printemps | Vert jaune |
| Couleur Été | Green |
| Couleur Automne | Jaune / Orange |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
