Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'
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FLOATING CLOUDS MAPLE, UKIGOMO JAPANESE MAPLE
Family: Aceraceae
Pronounced: AY-ser pal-MAY-tum
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Trees.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-10,12,14-24.
USDA zones: 6-8.
Mature size:
Height: 6 feet (2 m).
Width: 6 feet (2 m).
Leaf attributes:
Mottled white and pink, deeply cut, 5-lobed leaves.
Light:
Full sun or partial shade.
Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dressing with compost.
Pruning Methods:
Prune to shape in late fall to winter.
Pests and Diseases:
Some pests that could be problems are aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars. Possible disease problems are Verticillium wilt, tar spot, leaf spot and root rot.
Rainy Side Notes
Floating Cloud Maple, a slow growing maple,is more like a shrub than a tree, due to its short, multi-branching habit. A 2004 Great Plant Picks, 'Ukigumo' translates to "floating clouds". The cream, green and pastel pink coloring in its variegated leaves gives the sense of floating clouds. I have heard this one will revert to all green leaves. So far mine has not reverted.
I bought the tree on impulse and it turned out to be a good choice for my garden.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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