Wou nishiki

Character & interest

‘Wou nishiki’ stands out for its texture: the lobes are deeply cut, the edges are very toothed, and the elongated tips create an instantly recognisable leaf silhouette. It brings a light, graphic look—very useful for contrasting with broader-leaved palmatums or with cascading dissectums.

Colours

• Spring : soft green, often with a reddish-brown edge (more pronounced on young leaves).

• Summer : dark green (more settled foliage).

• Autumn : red to fiery red (intensity varies with cool nights and exposure).

Habit & vigour

Small tree / shrub habit, generally upright, then more flared with age.
Vigour is described differently depending on catalogues (from “slow growth” to “fast growth”): in practice, it depends strongly on climate, how cool the soil stays, and training.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• some European references indicate around 2 m at about 10 years,

• other sources (especially North American) suggest 3 to 4 m at about 10 years,

• in the long run, it can form a broader specimen, especially in the ground and in favourable conditions.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. Good light improves colour quality and autumn display, but a sheltered spot (dry wind, scorching sun) keeps the foliage cleaner.