Japanese Maple - Ukigumo
Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'
Japanese Maple - Ukigumo
Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'
15gal
Why Japanese Maple - Ukigumo?
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Sunlight
The Japanese Maple "Ukigumo" prefers partial shade to full sun. It is recommended to provide it with dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it is important to protect it from inten
Watering
Japanese Maple - Ukigumo requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to water deeply, ensuring that the root system receives adequate moisture.
Fertilizing
The fertilizer requirement for Japanese Maple - Ukigumo is a balanced slow-release fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 10-10-10 or similar.
Japanese Maple - Ukigumo (Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo')
The Japanese Maple - Ukigumo, also known as Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo', is a stunning deciduous tree that is admired for its beautiful variegated leaves and graceful form. This cultivar is highly sought after for its unique foliage coloration, making it a prized addition to any garden or landscape.
The leaves of the Ukigumo variety emerge in the spring with a delicate and pale pinkish-white variegation that appears as if it is floating on water, giving the tree its name, which translates to "floating cloud" in Japanese. As the season progresses, the foliage gradually transforms to a light green shade, creating an ever-changing display of colors throughout the year.
This Japanese maple typically grows to a medium size, reaching a height of 10 to 15 feet with a spread of 6 to 10 feet. Its rounded, compact form makes it an ideal choice for small gardens or even container planting. The Ukigumo maple is also known for its slow to moderate growth rate, making it suitable for those who prefer a low-maintenance tree.
In addition to its stunning foliage, the Ukigumo maple also exhibits attractive bark with its smooth texture and grayish-brown color. During the fall season, the leaves of this cultivar turn a vibrant display of orange, red, and yellow, adding a warm and radiant touch to any landscape.
This Japanese maple prefers a well-drained soil and dappled shade to full sun exposure, although it benefits from protection against hot afternoon sun. It is important to provide regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. The Ukigumo maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 8, ensuring its adaptability to a wide range of climates.
With its striking variegated foliage, compact size, and adaptability to various climates, the Japanese Maple - Ukigumo is an outstanding choice for adding beauty and interest to any garden or landscape. Whether planted as a focal point, in small groupings, or as a container plant, this cultivar is sure to captivate and delight with its ever-changing display of colors throughout the seasons.
Plant Information:
| Botanical Name: | Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' |
| USDA Zones: | 6a-9b |
| Growth Habit: | Upright |
| Evergreen / Deciduous: | Deciduous |
| Color/Foliage: | Variegated, White, Green, Pink |
| Water: | Regular |
| Exposure: | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Soil Needs: | Well-Drained, Rich |
| Mature Height: | 10'-12' |
| Mature Spread: | 6'-8' |
Pollination Info
Pollination Information for Japanese Maple - Ukigumo (Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo')
About Japanese Maple - Ukigumo
Japanese Maple - Ukigumo, also known as Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo', is a beautiful deciduous tree that is highly valued for its unique variegated foliage. It is native to Japan and belongs to the Aceraceae family.
Pollination
Japanese Maple - Ukigumo is mainly pollinated by wind and does not rely heavily on insect pollination. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that do not have nectar or an intense fragrance to attract pollinators. Since the flowers are not showy, the pollination process often goes unnoticed.
Flowering Time
The flowering time for Japanese Maple - Ukigumo typically occurs in the spring, usually around April or May, depending on the climate. During this time, clusters of small red or purple flowers emerge on the branches.
Pollen Dispersal
As a wind-pollinated tree, Japanese Maple - Ukigumo relies on the wind to carry its pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. The flowers on the tree are usually unisexual, meaning they either have male or female reproductive parts. The male flowers produce abundant pollen which is released into the air, and if successful, it reaches the female flowers to enable fertilization.
Fruit Production
After successful pollination, Japanese Maple - Ukigumo produces winged samaras, commonly known as maple seeds or "helicopters." These samaras typically develop in late summer or early autumn and are dispersed by wind to new locations for germination.
Cross-Pollination
Although Japanese Maple - Ukigumo can self-pollinate, cross-pollination with other compatible Japanese maple cultivars can sometimes result in more vigorous growth and improved foliage variegation. If you have multiple Japanese maple trees in the vicinity, there is a chance for cross-pollination to occur, potentially leading to interesting variations in the subsequent generations.
Conclusion
Japanese Maple - Ukigumo is primarily wind-pollinated, with inconspicuous flowers and reliant on the wind to carry the pollen for successful fertilization. While the tree is capable of self-pollination, cross-pollination with compatible cultivars can enhance the growth and characteristics of subsequent generations.
FAQ
- Pruning: Prune Ukigumo Japanese Maple during late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches. It is also an opportunity to shape the tree if desired.
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage.
- Protection: Protect the tree from extreme temperatures, strong winds, and prolonged drought conditions.
Planting & Care
Planting and Care for Japanese Maple - Ukigumo (Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo')
Planting:
- Choose a location with well-draining soil and partial shade to protect the delicate leaves from scorching.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and equally deep as the maple's root ball.
- Gently remove the tree from its container and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level or slightly higher than the surrounding soil.
- Fill the hole with the removed soil, tamping it down gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Water the newly planted tree thoroughly to settle the soil.
Care:
- Water the Japanese maple regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Avoid overhead watering as it can increase the risk of fungal diseases.
- Mulch around the base of the tree with a layer of organic material to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
- Prune the tree during its dormant season to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- Protect the tree from harsh winds and extreme temperature fluctuations using a burlap screen or garden fleece.
- Monitor the tree for common pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites, and treat infestations accordingly.
Additional Tips:
- Japanese maples benefit from regular watering during dry periods, especially in the first few years after planting.
- Apply a layer of mulch annually to improve soil quality and protect the tree's roots.
- Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of vibrant colors.
- Consider providing some shade during the hottest part of the day if your location experiences intense sun exposure.
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