Nishiki gasane

Character & interest

‘Nishiki gasane’ appeals thanks to its variegation in spots and speckling, rarely “flat”: some leaves can be heavily marbled, others only lightly dotted. It’s a variety that can look rather discreet from a distance, but very refined up close.

Colours

• Spring : a mix of greens and yellows, sometimes with orange tones; a pink / pink-brown edge can appear on young leaves depending on conditions.

• Late spring / summer : green foliage becoming blotched / marbled with yellow (variegation can be more or less visible depending on exposure).

• Autumn : orange to red (often scarlet red in some descriptions).

Habit & vigour

Depending on catalogues, ‘Nishiki gasane’ is described either as a compact small shrub (often “dwarf”), or as a plant that can grow taller. Growth is generally moderate.

Indicative size

A commonly quoted order of magnitude: about 1 m at around 10 years for plants kept compact. Other catalogues indicate a potential around 2–3 m in the long run. (Variations are possible depending on the commercial clone, training and conditions.)

Exposure

Bright partial shade is recommended: it often helps the variegation read well (and reduces foliage stress).