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Acer palmatum ‘Ukigumo’
floating clouds Japanese maple
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Image © Great Plant Picks |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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Acer palmatum ‘Ukigumo‘, also known as the floating clouds maple, is one of the most striking and beautiful variegated Japanese maples. The foliage creates a look of a soft pastel green and white cloud with a soft pink tint. The effect is more pronounced in the spring toning down slightly in the summer. The foliage is speckled with white and pink with the variegation different on each leaf. It is truly a spectacular conversation plant in the garden. This slow growing maple is great for small gardens. Placing in front of a dark background will enhance the color. Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’, Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’, Hosta ‘June’, and Helleborus argutifolius would look great with this small tree. |
| Culture |
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Japanese maples are surprising flexible in their soil requirements. Although, they will grow best in a good sandy loam soil they will do well in an average soil provided it is not heavy clay or waterlogged. They have average water needs enjoying extra water during prolonged dry periods. Careful pruning will enhance the graceful branching of this tree. ‘Ukigumo’ requires shade from the hot afternoon sun to prevent the foliage from burning. It grows well in bright open shade and still develops good fall color. |
| Growing Habit |
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Ukigumo Japanese maple is an upright grower forming a loose oval shape. A ten year old specimen will be about 6 to 7 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide and will mature to about 10 to 12 feet tall with a 6 to 8 foot spread. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 6 to 9 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden