Amagi shigure
‘Amagi shigure’ is a compact, upright Japanese maple valued for its reticulated effect: in spring, a very bright pink-red leaf blade highlighted by purple to almost black veins. Summer shifts toward purplish tones, then autumn colours range from orange-red to bright red.
Character & interest
The key feature is the contrast between a light leaf blade and very dark veins, which gives a clear, graphic look from a distance and fine detail up close. Among strongly veined cultivars, ‘Amagi shigure’ is one of the most striking at budbreak.
Colours
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Spring : pink-red / fuchsia with dark purple to black veins.
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Summer : darker violet-purple.
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Autumn : orange-red to bright red.
Habit & vigour
Upright to slightly flaring habit, fairly dense; slow to moderate growth.
Indicative size
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about 1.8 m × 0.9 m at around 10 years (depending on conditions), then larger with age.
Exposure
Best results in bright partial shade or gentle sun (morning). In hot situations, protection from afternoon sun helps keep foliage cleaner.
Origin & history
Japanese selection (Japanese name: 天城時雨). The word shigure refers to a fine, intermittent rain typical of late autumn/early winter in Japan; Amagi refers to the Amagi Mountains (Izu Peninsula).
| Groupe MS | 14. Reticulatum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Upright |
| Vigueur | Lente |
| Taille 10 ans | Petit (1-2m) |
| Forme de feuille | Matsumurae |
| Couleur Printemps | Rose vif |
| Couleur Été | Pourpre noir |
| Couleur Automne | Rouge brique |
| Exposure | Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
