Ukigumo

Character & interest

‘Ukigumo’ is sought after for its airy, cloud-like variegation, which is rarely uniform. It is a cultivar made for contemplation, superb when placed in front of a darker background (hedge, conifers, dark wall), which makes the whites and pinks stand out. It is often most expressive in spring and on young growth, hence the value of careful cultivation (regular watering, gentle exposure).

Colours

• Spring : leaves often very pale (creamy white to sea-green), frequently tinged with pink on the tips and pale areas.

• Summer : greener, with speckled and/or edged variegation of white and pink (variable depending on shoots).

• Autumn : often yellow-orange tones (sometimes warmer depending on conditions).

Habit & vigour

Bushy habit, rather upright at first then more rounded. Growth is generally slow (often described as a “dwarf/compact” variety by some nurseries), but size depends greatly on training, soil and age.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• around 1.5 m is often indicated for still-young plants / in restricted cultivation,

• some references give a long-term potential of about 3 m in the ground (with a habit remaining bushy).

Exposure

Bright partial shade to light shade is recommended, especially in warm climates. Scorching sun (and dry wind) can mark the pale areas of the foliage.

Origin & history

Bright partial shade to light shade is recommended, especially in warm climates. Scorching sun (and dry wind) can mark the pale areas of the foliage.