Acer palmatum Tsukasa Silhouette - Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum 'Tsukasa Silhouette' is a rarity among Japanese maples, due to its distinctly columnar habit, which surprises enthusiasts of the genus. This very erect small tree reaches up to 5m (16ft) in height without exceeding 1m (3ft) in width. Its beautiful palmate foliage is green during the growing season and turns red in autumn. Like other varieties, it does not tolerate limestone and requires slightly moist, neutral to acidic soil to grow well. It can be exposed to morning sun, but must be protected from afternoon sun. The dappled shade of tall trees will therefore benefit it, as it maintains a certain atmospheric humidity.

Native to eastern China, Korea, and Japan, Acer palmatum is the origin of a multitude of horticultural varieties that compete in beauty. Like all maples, it belongs to the Sapindaceae family (formerly Aceraceae). This important family includes about 140 plant genera, among which are tropical fruit species (lychee, rambutan, longan), as well as some ornamental plants in more temperate climates, such as the classic Koelreuteria and Xanthoceras. In its natural habitat, it forms small trees with a graceful habit and highly dissected palmate leaves, composed of 5 to 7 lobes, arranged in opposition on fine branches. Highly appreciated for its foliage, it has been cultivated for several hundred years in Japan, in gardens or trained as bonsai.

The cultivar 'Tsukasa Silhouette' is a variety of Japanese origin, discovered by Yutaka Kanata in the Tsukasa nursery. It was then named by nurseryman Tsukasa Silhouette due to its very unique morphology, as this Japanese maple is columnar, which makes it a rarity in this group, where most varieties have a spreading habit. Of (relatively) fast growth, it reaches about 3m (10ft) in height after 10 years, and 5 to 6m (16 to 20ft) when fully grown, with a width of 1 to 1.5m (3 to 5ft), which gives it a unique silhouette among Japanese maples. Its foliage consists of highly dissected palmate leaves with 5 toothed lobes. In spring, the young foliage is chartreuse green, turning to a more pronounced green in summer before the autumnal climax. The entire leafy column then turns crimson red, or in shaded situations, a bright orange, offering a superb spectacle before the leaves fall.

Acer palmatum 'Tsukasa Silhouette' is not strictly speaking an ericaceous plant; its optimal pH range is from about 5 to 7 (from acidic to neutral). It prefers humus-rich soils that remain moist, but not limestone soils as it may develop chlorosis. It is sensitive to atmospheric dryness and thrives in oceanic climates, provided it is protected from wind and afternoon sun. Elsewhere, it is advisable to ensure a certain humidity by planting it on the edge of trees, mulching the soil above its roots, and monitoring watering, especially in summer. In hot and sunny climates, it can even be planted in shaded understory conditions to ensure a certain atmospheric humidity.

Very hardy, down to about -22°C (-7.6°F), its small size allows it to be planted anywhere, except in excessively hot and dry climates where its foliage may suffer.

It is perfect for small gardens and can be planted in flower beds alongside other plants. It blends perfectly into a Japanese-style garden, as well as in a contemporary environment thanks to its particularly sculptural habit and foliage. Its green and then red column can thus harmonise with plants shaped in topiaries, such as Ilex crenata 'Golden Gem', a small thornless holly with yellow-green foliage that can easily be pruned and maintained in a ball shape. This creates a double contrast of shapes and colours. To achieve an unforgettable autumn scene, plant this maple next to yellow-coloured shrubs, such as Clethra alnifolia, which shares the same cultural requirements and forms a medium-sized shrub appreciated for its spikes of small white flowers and its yellow foliage in autumn. And of course, all the classic acid-loving plants can be planted in flower beds with 'Tsukasa Silhouette', such as numerous Hydrangeas, like the charming Hydrangea serrata 'Avelroz' with pink flowers in June-July, sometimes reblooming in September, Camellias, and many others.