Matsukaze
‘Matsukaze’ is a very elegant Japanese maple, appreciated for its bronze to purple budbreak crossed by green veins, followed by rich green foliage in summer. In autumn, it offers a very spectacular deep red to crimson colour. Its habit is broad with gracefully pendulous branches, giving it a supple, natural silhouette. A beautiful subject in a container as well as in the garden.
Character & interest
‘Matsukaze’ combines two qualities that make its charm: a colourful spring flush (with that contrast between green veins and a bronze-purple blade), then a broad, supple silhouette thanks to slightly pendulous branches. Colours
Colours
-
Spring : bronze-red to purple leaves, often marked by green veins.
-
Summer : green (often deeper).
-
Autumn : deep red to crimson.
Habit & vigour
Good vigour. Broad, shrubby habit, with gracefully pendulous branches (a light “cascading” effect).
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: around 4 m (sometimes 4–5 m) ultimately depending on conditions, with a often generous spread. In a container, growth remains more restrained.
Exposure
Gentle sun / bright partial shade. It often tolerates a sunnier position if the soil remains well-drained and cool in summer. In hot situations, protection from scorching sun and dry wind improves foliage quality.
Origin & history
‘Matsukaze’ is presented as an old Japanese cultivar, mentioned as dating back to the 18th century. The name is often translated as “wind in the pines”.
| Groupe MS | 9. Matsumurae |
|---|---|
| Habit | Évasé / Pleureur |
| Vigueur | Vigoureuse |
| Taille 10 ans | Grand (>4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Matsumurae |
| Couleur Printemps | Bronze / Pourpre |
| Couleur Été | Vert-bronze |
| Couleur Automne | Red |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
