Nicholsonii
‘Nicholsonii’ is an elegant, fairly broad Japanese maple, appreciated for its large dark green leaves—long and pointed—and especially for its cherry-red samaras that stand out in late summer. In autumn, the foliage turns crimson (often preceded by more golden tones). An old cultivar, rare in cultivation, very interesting both in a container and in the garden.
Character & interest
‘Nicholsonii’ offers a double interest:
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dark, clean summer foliage with a well-defined shape,
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highly decorative red fruits (samaras), especially striking against the green in late summer / early autumn.
This is a cultivar that gains real presence with age.
Colours
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Spring : foliage often purple-red at budbreak, then transitions.
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Summer : rich green / dark green.
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Autumn : golden yellow then crimson (intensity varies with conditions).
Habit & vigour
Branched, rather spreading habit, with an airy silhouette. Moderate to good vigour.
Indicative size
Order of magnitude: around 4 to 5 m in the long run (sometimes more depending on conditions), with a similar spread if the tree is left unpruned. In a container, growth remains more contained.
Exposure
Gentle sun / bright partial shade. Good light enhances autumn colour and showcases the fruits, but protection from scorching sun and dry wind improves foliage quality, especially in a container. Free-draining soil that stays cool in summer.
Origin & history
The cultivar is documented under the name ‘Nicholsonii’ from 1893: it was an earlier horticultural name (marketed under another name) and was then renamed in honour of Kew’s curator at the time.
| Groupe MS | 9. Matsumurae |
|---|---|
| Habit | Érigé étalé |
| Vigueur | Modérée |
| Taille 10 ans | Moyen (2-4m) |
| Forme de feuille | Matsumurae |
| Couleur Printemps | Rouge pourpre |
| Couleur Été | Vert foncé |
| Couleur Automne | Rouge vif |
| Exposure | Soleil / Mi-ombre |
| Size / Grade | C1, C1.5, C10, C2, C3, C5, C7.5, P9 |
