Akikaze nishiki

Character & interest

This cultivar stands out for a very “graphic” combination: lobed leaves that are often deeply incised, irregular variegation (sometimes just a pale area, sometimes an almost white leaf), and budbreak that can be pink. It suits anyone looking for a maple with strong character and long-lasting ornamental interest through the season.

Colours

• Spring : light green budbreak with pink nuances (often visible on the pale areas and on young shoots).

• Summer : dark green splashed with cream (variegation is very variable).

• Autumn : orange to red, sometimes with a purplish tone depending on climate and exposure.

Habit & vigour

Large shrub / small tree habit, often well-branched and sometimes multi-stemmed. Moderate to good vigor. Like many variegated cultivars, it can show a tendency to reversion (shoots turning fully green): removing entirely green shoots helps maintain the variegated effect.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• about 4 m at around 10 years (often),

• at maturity, more around 6 m (variable),

• spread often comparable to height over time, depending on training.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. ‘Akikaze nishiki’ is often cited as very heat-tolerant for a variegated maple, but in hot/dry climates, protection from harsh afternoon sun remains beneficial, especially in containers.

Origin & history

The cultivar circulates under several spellings: ‘Akikaze nishiki’, ‘Akikaze-nishiki’, and the synonym ‘Shuhu Nishiki’ is also reported.
A reference dendrological source indicates it was introduced by J.D. Vertrees before 1960. There are also differences in botanical treatment in the trade: it is very often sold as Acer truncatum, but some authors link it to Acer pictum (or a closely related taxon).