Hoshi kuzu

Character & interest

‘Hoshi kuzu’ appeals above all for its texture: very small leaves, often with fine lobes, creating a delicate, very “bonsai-like” look. The variegation is rather subtle (cream speckling/nuances, sometimes more marked on certain leaves), and it is best appreciated up close.

Colours

• Spring : soft to light green, with cream variegation (often as touches/speckling); sometimes pink on the tips/young extremities.

• Summer : greener foliage (the variegation may remain visible but is generally more discreet).

• Autumn : red (sometimes with pink/orange nuances depending on climate and exposure).

Habit & vigour

Upright and compact habit (good structure, dense branching). Moderate vigour.

Indicative size

Order of magnitude: around 2 to 4 m ultimately, with a spread that often remains more contained. Some estimates give about 2.5 m at 10 years, or 2.5–4 m at 15 years (variable depending on conditions and training).

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. The plant is often described as fairly tolerant of sun and wind, but a position sheltered from dry wind and scorching sun (afternoon) improves foliage quality, especially in a container.

Origin & history

‘Hoshi kuzu’ is described as a chance seedling from ‘Kamagata’, selected at Maplewood Nursery (Virginia, USA), and introduced by J.D. Vertrees (the name is generally translated as “stardust”).