Acer palmatum ‘Ukigumo’ (P)

Common name: Ukigumo Japanese Maple (Floating Clouds)

Description: This extraordinary cultivar of the Japanese Maple is renowned for its spectacular variegated foliage that creates a cloud-like effect in the garden. The name ‘Ukigumo’ translates to “floating clouds” in Japanese, perfectly describing the appearance of the leaves. The palmate foliage emerges in spring with a stunning combination of green, cream, white, and pink tones, with irregular variegation patterns that make each leaf unique. Throughout the growing season, the leaves display a constantly changing palette of colours, with some leaves showing predominantly green centres with cream margins, whilst others exhibit pink and white splashes. In autumn, the foliage turns brilliant shades of orange and red. This slow-growing variety develops an elegant, upright habit.

Other benefits: exceptional variegated foliage, constantly changing colour display, unique specimen tree, outstanding autumn colour

Wildlife attraction: bees, small birds for seeds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2m x 1.5m

Position: partial shade to dappled sunlight; requires protection from intense sun and strong winds

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions

Moisture: consistent moisture essential; mulching beneficial; avoid waterlogged conditions

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -25C