Shin nyo

Character & interest

‘Shin nyo’ is a true “four-season” maple: it offers real interest even without leaves thanks to the apricot-orange colour of the twigs (especially on younger wood), then follows with light spring foliage and a warm late-season finish. It’s an excellent option if you like maples with coloured wood, while keeping foliage that is easy to combine in the garden.

Colours

• Spring : yellow-orange (sometimes with a softer, more luminous look on young leaves).

• Summer : light green to green (more settled foliage).

• Autumn : a palette often mixing yellow / gold / orange, with possible red nuances depending on conditions.

• Winter (wood) : orange twigs (often very visible on 1–4 year-old wood).

Habit & vigour

Bushy habit, rather upright and natural, with a balanced silhouette. Moderate to good vigour. Several sources indicate it tolerates a bit more sun than a typical light-leaved Japanese maple, while still performing best in gentle light.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• often around 2.5–4 m (a “standard” figure given by horticultural references),

• some nurseries indicate 3–5 m depending on conditions,

• spread frequently 2–3 m.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. A sheltered position (dry wind, scorching sun) improves foliage quality and steady growth.