Acer palmatum Shigitatsu sawa is a unique and beautiful variety of Japanese Maple, loved by gardeners for its striking appearance and graceful growth habits. However, many nursery descriptions can be misleading, so it’s important to understand its true characteristics.
This slow-growing, small-sized maple is prized for its delicate spring foliage, which features intricate venation. In autumn, Shigitatsu sawa also delivers stunning fall colors.
A related variety, Acer palmatum Aka Shigitatsu sawa, has red leaves, offering another beautiful option for gardeners.
The green form, Shigitatsu sawa, is distinguished by its deep green leaves and lighter-colored veins, making it a standout in any garden.
Landscaping Uses.
Acer palmatum shigitatsu sawa is an excellent small Japanese Maple for a shaded position. It is suited to range of garden design styles. Also suited to growing on a shaded patio or in a courtyard.
It will grow in containers, usually a little smaller in size, and an even slower in growth rate.
How to Grow Acer palmatum shigitatsu sawa – Basic Care
In Japan, Acer palmatum Shigitatsu sawa is often grown in containers and considered a tender dwarf variety.
While it can grow in the ground, we recommend growing it in a well-draining, prepared soil, ideally in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon dappled shade.
Although it is a slow grower, it requires ongoing care, especially when grown in containers.
For the best results, avoid over-fertilizing, as this can affect the plant’s variegation. A balanced care routine includes applying some well-rotted cow manure and a light layer of mulch each spring.
If you feel additional feeding is necessary, we suggest using a small dose of a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote or organic options like seaweed and fish emulsion. Just remember, less is more when it comes to feeding Shigitatsu sawa.
To enhance the beautiful autumn color, it’s essential to keep the plant adequately watered throughout the summer months.
- Prepare the soil well with some well rotted compost and aged manure. Choose a position which is protected from hot winds and with shade for the hottest part of the day.
- Stake new plants and water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser. Mulch to provide a cool moist root run.
- Water well through the first spring and summer and until well established. Uses a slow release fertiliser in spring and renew mulch each year.
Acer palmatum Shigitatsu Sawa vs. Acer palmatum Aka Shigitatsu Sawa
Both Acer palmatum Shigitatsu sawa (the green form) and Acer palmatum Aka Shigitatsu sawa (the red form) offer exceptional beauty
Some confusion exists over the two varieties of this Maple, the distinguishing feature is the color of the foliage. The work ‘Aka’ is added to the red foliage variety, ‘Aka’ simply meaning red in Japanese when used this way.
- Acer palmatum Aka Shigatatsu sawa – Red snipes over a winter marsh, so this is the red veined variety.
- Acer palmatum Shigatatsu sawa – Snipe rise up from a marsh, so this is green veined variety.
To understand the names:
• Shigitatsu can be translated as “snipe,” referring to various wading birds like sandpipers or curlews.
• Sawa means marsh or swamp, a nod to the plant’s native habitat, moist but well drained soils..
• Tatsu means to rise up, fly, or take flight, capturing the tree’s graceful, upright and spreading rather than weeping growth habit.
• Aka, pronounced “AH-kah,” means “red” or “crimson,” distinguishing the red-leaved variety.
Acer palmatum shigitatsu sawa – Summary Information.
- Height – Reaches 3 – 4 metres
- Spread – 3 metres
- Position – Morning sun with afternoon shade
- Soil – Humus rich well drained with some moisture.
- Foliage – Variegated shades of green and cream.
Fun Fact: Shigitatsu-an
For those interested in culture, Shigitatsu-an is a renowned haikai dojo in Ōiso, Kanagawa, Japan, where aspiring poets learn the art of haiku from masters or peers.
Whether you choose the green or red variety, Acer palmatum Shigitatsu sawa adds a touch of elegance to any garden with its stunning foliage and rich cultural heritage.
Acer palmatum shigitatsu sawa is available for sale from the following nurseries
Est. in 1994, we offer over 30 Varieties of quality 2nd year grafted Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) available for mail order.
www.maplesxmail.com.au
