Kurenai jishi
‘Kurenai jishi’ is a dwarf Japanese maple with a very compact, very dense habit, often compared to a red ‘Shishigashira’. Its leaves are wavy / crinkled and held tightly along the shoots, giving a very structured silhouette. In spring, the foliage emerges deep red, then often shifts towards purple or red-green tones in summer. In autumn, it delivers a particularly decorative orange to red blaze. Ideal for containers and small spaces.
Character & interest
The appeal of ‘Kurenai jishi’ lies in its density: short internodes, leaves set close together, and compact branching that quickly creates a “finished” plant in a container.
Colours
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Spring : dark red to deep red (often the most spectacular phase).
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Summer : the red often shifts to purple / burgundy, sometimes red-green or even greener depending on heat and conditions.
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Autumn : bright orange to red.
Habit & vigour
Stocky, dense habit, slow growth. Very regular structure and well suited to container growing.
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: often around 1.2 to 1.5 m tall for ~0.9 m wide at about 10 years (variable). Ultimately it can reach around 2 to 3 m depending on conditions and training.
Exposure
Gentle sun / bright partial shade. Good light enhances the red tones, but protection from scorching sun and dry wind improves foliage quality, especially in a pot.
Origin & history
Several sources indicate that ‘Kurenai jishi’ was discovered and named by Masayoshi Yano (Japan); the name is generally interpreted as “red lion”.
| Groupe MS | 6. Crispum |
|---|---|
| Habit | Érigé compact |
| Vigueur | Lente |
| Taille 10 ans | Petit (1-2m) |
| Forme de feuille | Crispum |
| Couleur Printemps | Pourpre sombre |
| Couleur Été | Pourpre sombre |
| Couleur Automne | Orange / Rouge vif |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
