Utsu semi

Character & interest

This cultivar is mainly sought after for two things: its unusual foliage (lobes shorter and broader than many palmatum, with a pronounced texture) and its often spectacular autumn coloration. It works very well as a small accent tree, both in the ground and in a large container—provided the soil stays cool in summer.

Colours

• Spring : bright yellow-green; tips sometimes slightly reddish on young leaves (variable).

• Summer : green to deeper green.

• Autumn : orange, then often purple to scarlet (intensity varies with climate/exposure; a contrast with greener veins is sometimes reported).

Habit & vigour

Upright then rounded habit, forming a large shrub / small tree. Moderate vigor: steady growth in cool soil, with branching that builds up progressively.

Indicative size

Typical ranges observed depending on sources and training (variations possible with climate and pruning):

• around 10 years: often 1.5–2.5 m, but some references give up to ~3.5 m,

• at maturity: about 3–4 m (sometimes more), with a spread often similar if space allows.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. The plant can handle more sun if the soil stays cool, but in hot climates or in containers, light afternoon shade helps preserve foliage quality.