Amagi Shigure Japanese Maple

Amagi Shigure Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Amagi shigure')

Amagi Shigure Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Amagi shigure') is a rare and dramatic cultivar celebrated for its intensely vibrant foliage and bold reticulation. New spring leaves emerge in saturated shades of fuchsia to hot pink, with prominent black-red veins that create a dramatic marbled pattern. As the season progresses, the color deepens to rich purplish-red before transitioning to fiery orange-red in fall. With its strong upright habit and eye-catching foliage, 'Amagi shigure' is an exceptional choice for collectors and a powerful focal point in any landscape.

Distinctive Features

'Amagi shigure' features deeply divided, five-lobed leaves with thick, prominent veins that stand out against the colorful leaf surface. Its reticulated patterning and color saturation are among the most vivid in the maple world. The tree maintains an upright form, typically maturing at 8 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, making it ideal for vertical accents in smaller gardens or high-visibility locations.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to filtered light; morning sun with afternoon protection helps preserve leaf color and prevent scorch.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; prefers slightly acidic conditions enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Moderate; needs consistent moisture but does not tolerate soggy soil.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity; protect from hot, dry wind for best foliage performance.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; cold-hardy in most temperate regions with proper siting.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Vivid spring and fall color makes it a natural standout in garden compositions.
• Collector Gardens: Sought after by enthusiasts for its extreme coloration and rarity.
• Shaded Borders: Adds color and vertical structure under taller canopy trees.
• Containers: Excellent in large pots for patios, entryways, or bonsai development.
• Asian-Inspired Landscapes: Offers color intensity and texture in stylized plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

Amagi Shigure is relatively easy to care for when planted in the right conditions. Adequate moisture, shelter from intense sun, and well-drained soil are key to maintaining its vivid coloration and healthy growth.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during heat or dry periods; mulch helps retain moisture.
• Pruning: Light pruning in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches and maintain structure.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suitable for maples.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; monitor for aphids or scale in early spring.
• Winter Care: Hardy in Zones 5�8; mulch root zone in colder climates for added protection.

Why Choose Amagi Shigure Japanese Maple?

Amagi Shigure delivers unmatched color intensity and artistic foliage detail�making it a striking, conversation-worthy choice for gardens and containers alike.

• Brilliant Pink-Red Spring Color: Among the most vivid foliage displays of any Japanese maple.
• Bold Reticulation: Prominent dark veining gives a marbled, textured appearance.
• Compact Upright Growth: Perfect for small gardens or feature plantings.
• Seasonal Color Shift: Transforms from bright spring tones to rich purples and fiery fall color.
• Collector Favorite: Highly sought after for its rarity and visual drama.

For unforgettable foliage and exceptional seasonal color, Amagi Shigure Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Amagi shigure') is a standout selection for gardeners and collectors alike.