Suisei

Character & interest

‘Suisei’ stands out first for its texture (laceleaf foliage) and for a subtle variegation/lightening that “lights up” the plant without making it showy. It is a choice dissectum to bring brightness to a scene (light woodland, terrace, maple bed), while keeping the elegance of a cascading silhouette.

Colours

• Spring : light green to green, with a white/cream effect (often very readable in the veins).

• Summer : greener foliage; the pale effect can become more discreet depending on shoots and exposure.

• Autumn : bright yellow-orange.

Habit & vigour

Spreading, weeping habit typical of dissectums, forming a dome/cascade. Moderate vigour, with fairly regular growth if the soil stays cool. Depending on the graft form (standard graft or low graft) and staking, the silhouette can be guided (more “cascade” or a little more vertical).

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• about 2 m at around 10 years is often cited,

• at maturity, ~2 m × 2 m (height/spread) is common, with variation depending on graft, pruning and growing conditions.

Exposure

Bright partial shade or gentle (morning) sun. A sheltered position (dry winds, scorching sun) helps keep the foliage clean, especially on the palest areas.

Origin & history

The cultivar ‘Suisei’ is generally presented as a Japanese dissectum selection. Several collector sources indicate it was distributed in the 1990s and attributed to Kobayashi Nursery (Japan).