The foliage of this unusual Japanese maple can be so highly patterned that it appears almost white. Each leaf is unique however, so the degree of patterning can vary (even from year to year), and each leaf's colouring will usually change with the seasons too. Typically though, you may expect to see some near-white leaves, some highly speckled green and white leaves, some lightly speckled green leaves (all of which can have pink overtones), and then in autumn, shades of yellow, red and orange leaves before they are shed.
How to care for Acer palmatum Uki-gumo:
Add a top dressing of a multi-purpose fertiliser around the base of the plant in late spring. No routine pruning is required, just remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter when they are fully dormant. Avoid overhead watering and direct sun during the hottest part of the day.
Eventual height:
5m
Eventual spread:
4m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.