Goshiki kotohime

Character & interest

‘Goshiki kotohime’ is one of those “miniature” maples that impress with their texture: the leaves stay small, often crinkled / scalloped, and stack along the branches, creating a very compact, graphic silhouette.
The term “Goshiki” is generally used to indicate a tendency towards variegation (often slight and variable) compared with ‘Kotohime’: some shoots show speckling or lighter zones, especially on young foliage.

Colours

• Spring : light green, often with pink tips; variegation possible.

• Summer : green foliage (sometimes deeper), with new growth that may remain pinkish / pink-brown.

• Autumn : yellow to orange, sometimes shifting towards red depending on conditions.

Habit & vigour

Compact habit, often upright-bushy (a naturally “bonsai-like” look). Very slow to slow growth.

Indicative size

As a guide: around 1 m at about 10 years in many growing conditions, sometimes 1.5 m depending on sources and conditions. In the ground and in a favourable climate, some reports indicate a larger size with age (notable variability).

Exposure

Bright partial shade is recommended, or gentle sun (morning). Protection from drying wind and scorching sun helps keep the foliage clean (especially in a pot).