Asahi zuru

Character & interest

A sought-after cultivar for its decorative variegation, often more regular than some “classic” variegated types. The cream/green contrast gives a strong presence even when the summer colour is more subdued. On some plants, fine pinkish streaks may appear on the bark of young shoots, adding an extra winter detail.

Colours

• Spring : young leaves pinkish, then variegated (cream/green), sometimes with touches of pink that persist.

• Summer : cream/green variegation, generally more stable and softer.

• Autumn : orange to red, with light areas that can remain cream/whitish.

Habit & vigour

Upright habit, regular growth (intermediate vigour).

Indicative size

Order of magnitude: 3 to 5 m tall, with a 3 to 4 m spread at maturity (variable depending on conditions and training).

Exposure

Meilleur rendu en soleil doux ou mi-ombre lumineuse. Comme beaucoup de cultivars panachés, le feuillage est plus net et moins sujet aux marques lorsque la plante est abritée du soleil brûlant et des vents desséchants.

Origin & history

Cultivar of Japanese origin. The name is generally translated along the lines of “morning crane / crane of the rising sun”, in reference to the foliage’s aesthetic.