Tsuri nishiki

Character & interest

‘Tsuri nishiki’ is a real “autumn scene” cultivar: it stays understated and easy to combine during the season (green foliage), then offers a strong transformation, often tricolour (yellow/orange/red). It is a good choice if you are looking for a palmatum that can deliver a major late-season moment without imposing a strong colour all year round.

Colours

• Spring : budbreak sometimes bronze/orange (even pinkish on the very youngest shoots), then a transition to green.

• Summer : green (often deeper in mid-summer; some sources mention slightly darker tips on the lobes).

• Autumn : variations often yellow → orange → red, frequently mixed on the same plant (multicolour effect).

Habit & vigour

Generally upright then flared, and it can become broader with age. Moderate vigour.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• about 2.5 m at 10 years (often given),

• as an adult, most often 2 to 4 m,

• spread often 2 to 3 m depending on training and location.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. A sheltered position (dry winds, scorching sun) helps keep the foliage clean and supports the autumn colouring.

Origin & history

‘Tsuri nishiki’ is a Japanese cultivar that has long been in cultivation. It is found under several spellings: ‘Tsuri nishiki’, ‘Tsuri-nishiki’ (and sometimes ‘Tsuri Nishiki’).