Iijima Sunago Japanese Maple

Iijima Sunago Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Iijima Sunago')

Iijima Sunago Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Iijima Sunago') is a distinctive upright selection prized for bronzy red spring leaves dusted with fine gold specks, a mottled red green summer canopy, and rich orange to crimson fall color; its medium sized, well branched habit provides high contrast foliage and four season structure for entries, borders, and courtyard plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Iijima Sunago' shows characteristic gold flecking on young leaves that reads like sprinkled sand, strongest in spring and on new flushes; classic five to seven lobed leaves on a tidy framework create a refined silhouette that typically matures 10 to 15 ft tall and 8 to 12 ft wide.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Morning sun to partial shade; provide afternoon protection in hot regions to preserve color and limit scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Maintain steady moisture; avoid drought and waterlogged soil.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 10 to 15 ft tall, 8 to 12 ft wide, upright rounded habit.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Gold flecked foliage creates striking close up interest.
• Entry Gardens: Frames walks and patios with color and texture.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with conifers and light green shrubs.
• Containers: Performs well in large, sheltered planters for near viewing.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stone, gravel, and water elements.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil evenly moist.
• Pruning: Light structural edits in late winter; avoid heavy midsummer cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a light, balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and afternoon shade in hot sites to reduce leaf scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Iijima Sunago Japanese Maple?

• Unique Gold Speckling: Sand like flecks over bronzy red leaves.
• Seasonal Drama: Mottled summer canopy and warm, vivid fall color.
• Manageable Size: Ideal for residential landscapes and patios.
• Close Up Appeal: Patterning and layered branching reward near viewing.
• Design Impact: High contrast foliage elevates shaded plantings.

For the clearest flecking and best vigor, site in morning sun with afternoon shade and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.