Yama kage

Character & interest

This cultivar is sought after for the spectacular effect of its oversized foliage: even from a distance, the texture and volume read very clearly. It has the presence of a small tree, with branching that broadens as it ages, and a particularly strong autumn display.

Colours

• Spring : light green to green (young leaves are often very luminous).

• Summer : deeper green.

• Autumn : orange to bright red (often very vivid).

Habit & vigour

Large shrub / small tree habit, rather upright at first, then broader with age. Moderate to good vigour: steady growth if the soil stays cool in summer.

Indicative size

Observed orders of magnitude depending on sources and training:

• about 2.5 to 3.5 m tall at around 15 years (often),

• and about 2.5 to 3 m wide depending on conditions,

• in a favourable situation, it can form a broader small tree in the very long term.

Exposure

Gentle sun / bright partial shade. A position sheltered from drying winds is recommended. In hot climates, protection from scorching afternoon sun reduces the risk of leaf scorch.

Origin & history

The name ‘Yama kage’ is generally translated as “mountain shadow”. Several North American horticultural sources present it as a selection associated with Jim Schmidt and introduced by Don Schmidt Nursery.