Kogane nishiki
‘Kogane nishiki’ is a vigorous Japanese maple with an upright habit that becomes rounded with age, valued for its luminous spring foliage (often yellow-green, with tips or more yellow nuances), green in summer, then a superb golden-yellow to orange autumn display. A very effective cultivar for a “golden” garden scene, and also perfectly suited to a large container.
Character & interest
‘Kogane nishiki’ is not variegated: its strength lies in a light-coloured spring flush, then a strong build-up in autumn with very visible golden and orange tones. Young shoots may show a bronze tint on summer growth, adding an extra decorative detail.
Colours
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Spring : yellow-green foliage (sometimes more “lemon-yellow” in good light), often with tips or more yellow nuances.
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Summer : a truer green.
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Autumn : golden yellow, then orange (intensity varies with climate and exposure).
Habit & vigour
Upright habit, fairly compact at first, then more rounded with age. Moderate to good vigour.
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: about 4 to 6 m ultimately in many conditions. Some sources suggest a larger potential, up to 5–8 m in favourable in-ground situations. (To be taken as indicative.)
Exposure
Gentle sun or bright partial shade. It is often described as comfortable in full sun, provided the soil stays cool in summer (without excess water) and the position is protected from drying winds.
| Groupe MS | 9. Matsumurae |
|---|---|
| Habit | Upright |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Matsumurae |
| Couleur Printemps | Jaune-vert |
| Couleur Été | Green |
| Couleur Automne | Jaune d'or |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
