Aka Shigitatsu Sawa Japanese Maple

A tree for connoisseurs and all who love the subtle beauty of things Japanese, this ancient variety of Japanese Maple is sure to win your heart. ‘Shigitatsu-sawa’ means ‘water-bird rising from the marsh’, suggesting a special moment of calm beauty, just like the remarkable, changing colors of this tree, which depend on your location and the level of sun exposure. In shadier places the spring foliage will be pale pink, salmon or peach, with green veins. With more sun the tones deepen to dark pinks and light reds. In summer the leaves are soft greens to creams, sometimes with red highlights. In fall brilliant orange-reds take over. How your own tree precisely colors, you will adore this remarkable variety, which grows into a tree-form about 12 feet tall and wide. Perfect to bring a shady corner to life, and ideal for that special spot, this rare variety will make your garden somewhere special and beautiful.

• Remarkable spring colorings of pale peaches to pinks, with green veins
• Summer leaves are green, with creamy or red highlights
• Fall is a stunning, brilliant orange-red
• A rare, ancient variety for that special spot in your garden
• Needs a shady, moist location and some extra care

Susceptible to sun damage, plant your Aka Shigitatsu-sawa Japanese Maple in a sheltered spot, preferably in light, dappled shade, or with some morning sun. Light intensity has a significant effect on spring leaf coloring. Grow it in moist, well-drained soil, adding plenty of rich compost, and using more for mulch. Pay special attention to watering during the early years, as the fine foliage of this variety means it isn’t drought tolerant. Deer won’t eat it and it has no noticeable pest or disease issues, but it does need that little extra to give you its best. Light spring pruning will help develop an elegant tree with a mature look.