Tsukushi gata

Character & interest

‘Tsukushi gata’ is a contrast cultivar: the very dark leaf is “lit up” by distinctly lighter veins, and the whole effect is reinforced by green stems (and often decorative samaras). It has strong presence all season long, without relying solely on autumn colour.

Colours

• Spring : brick red to deep red (often very rich), with veins already lighter.

• Summer : chocolate brown / purplish brown to very dark purple; the contrast with the green veins often remains visible.

• Autumn : orange to scarlet red (sometimes with warmer nuances depending on conditions).

Habit & vigour

Rather upright, then spreading, forming a well-structured small tree/shrub. Moderate vigour; it can stay compact in a pot, while becoming a fine specimen in the ground over the years.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• around 3.5 m at 10 years is sometimes indicated,

• many descriptions place it around 2 to 4 m at maturity (variable),

• the spread can become close to the height on a well-established plant.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade.
In non-scorching sun, the shade can become darker/blackish; in bright partial shade, the foliage often keeps a more chocolate tone and better summer quality.

Origin & history

‘Tsukushi gata’ is often presented as an old Japanese cultivar, cited in some lists as existing before 1900. It is encountered under several spellings: ‘Tsukushi gata’, ‘Tsukushi-gata’ and ‘Tsukushigata’.