Acer palmatum shigitatsu sawa

Acer palmatum ‘Shigitatsu Sawa’ is a refined and highly decorative Japanese Maple prized for its soft green foliage edged with creamy white variegation.

Subtle yet striking, this cultivar brings light, texture and seasonal interest to gardens, courtyards and containers — particularly in part-shaded positions where its delicate colouring truly shines.

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.

Both forms are rare in cultivation, slow growing abd prefer light shade especially over summer.

At a Glance — Key Features

• Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Shigitatsu Sawa’
• Common Name: Shigitatsu Sawa Japanese Maple
• Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
• Foliage: Green leaves with creamy-white variegation; soft pink tones in spring
• Autumn Colour: Golden yellow to orange
• Mature Height: ~3–4 m
• Mature Width: ~2.5–3.5 m
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Best Position: Part shade or morning sun (sheltered from harsh afternoon sun)
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich
• Water: Regular watering, especially when young
• Maintenance: Low — minimal pruning
• Uses: Feature tree, courtyard planting, container specimen, Japanese-style gardens

Why Choose ‘Shigitatsu Sawa’?

‘Shigitatsu Sawa’ is loved for its soft, painterly foliage and gentle presence in the garden. Unlike bold red cultivars, this variety excels as a calming focal point, offering contrast and brightness in shaded or semi-shaded spaces.

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Fresh green leaves emerge with creamy variegation and subtle pink blushes
• Summer: Variegation matures into soft green and ivory tones
• Autumn: Leaves turn golden yellow with hints of apricot and orange
• Winter: Elegant branching provides structure and form

This restrained seasonal shift makes it especially appealing in layered garden designs and tranquil landscapes.

Growing Conditions & Care

Light

Best grown in part shade or gentle morning sun. Protection from hot afternoon sun is essential, particularly in warmer climates, to prevent leaf scorch and preserve variegation.

Soil

Prefers fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic to neutral soil will encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Water

Water regularly during establishment and during dry periods. Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Mulching helps maintain even soil moisture and protects shallow roots.

Maintenance & Ongoing Care

• Pruning: Very little pruning is required. If needed, prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape or remove dead wood.
• Fertilising: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring or top-dress with compost.
• Mulching: Organic mulch improves soil health and moisture retention.

Overall, Shigitatsu Sawa is a low-maintenance Japanese Maple once established.

Size & Spacing Guide

Feature	Recommendation
Mature Height	~3–4 m
Mature Width	~2.5–3.5 m
Spacing	Allow 2.5–3 m clearance
Planting Time	Autumn or Spring

Allow space for its naturally graceful, spreading canopy to develop fully.

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

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