Sode nishiki

Character & interest

‘Sode nishiki’ is a seasonal cultivar, sought after above all for its very bright orange-yellow spring flush. Summer is calmer (mostly green foliage), but can offer a small “bonus” with a few variegated leaves. It is an excellent option if you like Japanese maples with a golden-spring look, in the same spirit as ‘Katsura’, with a tone often described as slightly more yellow.

Colours

• Spring : orange-yellow (often very luminous).

• Summer : green (sometimes with a few variegated leaves).

• Autumn : red, then orange (often raspberry/scarlet red before turning orange).

Habit & vigour

Upright and rather open / natural habit. Moderate vigour: it establishes well in the ground, while remaining perfectly manageable in a container with suitable care.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• often 2 to 4 m,

• some catalogues indicate it can reach 3 to 5 m over time, with a spread that can become comparable in good conditions.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. A sheltered position (dry winds, scorching sun) helps keep the foliage clean, especially on the very colourful young growth.