Sazanami
‘Sazanami’ is a Japanese maple with small, very deeply cut leaves in 7 lobes, whose double-serrated margins create a very original wavy / frilled look. In spring, the young leaves emerge orange-red with a greener vein, then turn rich green in summer. In autumn, the plant transforms into an intense golden colour, sometimes with several shades of gold. An elegant cultivar, interesting in a container as well as in the garden.
Character & interest
The charm of ‘Sazanami’ comes from its texture: small leaves, pointed lobes, and above all very finely toothed margins that “pleat” the outline and add relief. Several descriptions also highlight the way the leaf is held, with the base sometimes almost horizontal, which reinforces the sense of volume.
Colours
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Spring : orange-red (often with greener veins/central area).
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Summer : green (often richly coloured), petioles sometimes reddish.
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Autumn : gold to deep golden (often very luminous).
Habit & vigour
Upright habit at first, then rather bushy/compact. Growth is often described as slow to moderate, with regular branching.
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: about 3 to 6 m ultimately depending on sources and conditions, with a spread often more contained (often around 3 m). In a container, growth remains more moderate.
Exposure
Gentle sun / bright partial shade. Light enhances the golden autumn colour, but protection from scorching sun and drying winds improves foliage quality, especially in containers.
| Groupe MS | 9. Matsumurae |
|---|---|
| Habit | Bushy |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Matsumurae |
| Couleur Printemps | Orange / Rouge |
| Couleur Été | Green |
| Couleur Automne | Yellow / Gold |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
