Currently experiencing a very high volume of orders — please expect a 2–3 week lead time.

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Currently experiencing a very high volume of orders — please expect a 2–3 week lead time.

Potted plant with yellow leaves on a white background

$55.00

(meaning "Floating Clouds") is a spectacular variegated Japanese maple prized for its ethereal white, pink, and green foliage. Deeply divided leaves emerge pale green with white spots and soft pink...
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Proudly Grown In Canada
Nursery grown on Vancouver Island, BC
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
We Ship Anywhere In Canada
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Cultivar

'Ukigumo'

(meaning "Floating Clouds") is a spectacular variegated Japanese maple prized for its ethereal white, pink, and green foliage. Deeply divided leaves emerge pale green with white spots and soft pink edges, creating a stunning floating cloud effect. Some leaves may be entirely white or pink, with variegation varying year to year. Foliage may twist or undulate gracefully, adding exceptional texture. In fall, leaves turn golden yellow to orange with red flecks. Develops a compact, upright columnar form reaching 8-12 feet tall and 4-10 feet wide with slow growth. Partial shade enhances variegation and prevents scorch on delicate white and pink portions. Low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and attracts pollinators. Perfect as a specimen in Japanese gardens, cottage gardens, or paired with acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, and hostas. An essential choice for collectors seeking one of the most visually stunning variegated Japanese maples.

Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are among the most versatile and admired ornamental trees, prized for their elegant form, refined foliage, and year-round visual interest. Suitable for both garden planting and bonsai cultivation, these trees adapt beautifully to a wide range of landscapes and growing styles.

Growth Forms & Habits

Japanese maples are available in a wide variety of natural forms, including:

  • Upright and spreading forms ideal for specimen planting
  • Weeping and cascading varieties perfect for containers, slopes, and bonsai
  • Compact and dwarf cultivars well-suited to small gardens, patios, and detailed bonsai work

Their graceful branching structure provides beauty even in winter once leaves have fallen.

Foliage & Bark Characteristics

Cultivars display a remarkable range of ornamental traits, including:

  • Deep red, burgundy, and purple foliage, often changing through the seasons
  • Fresh green or chartreuse leaves with brilliant fall color
  • Variegated patterns with cream, pink, or white accents
  • Coral bark selections with striking winter stem color
  • Rough or fissured bark types prized for texture and age character

Leaf shapes range from finely dissected laceleaf forms to broader, classic palmate leaves.

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

Japanese maples are highly valued for bonsai due to their fine branching, ability to reduce leaf size, and responsiveness to pruning and training. At the same time, they perform exceptionally well as garden trees—whether planted in the ground, grown in containers, or used as focal points in Japanese-inspired landscapes.

Why Choose Japanese Maples?

  • Four-season interest: Spring foliage, summer canopy, brilliant fall color, and elegant winter structure
  • Versatile sizing: Most varieties mature between 10–15 feet, perfect for small gardens and urban spaces
  • Low maintenance: Once established, Japanese maples are hardy and require minimal care
  • Container-friendly: Ideal for patios, balconies, or featured garden spots
  • Excellent for bonsai: Fine branching, leaf reduction, and responsive to training
Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Plant Sizes

We offer Japanese maples in several size categories. Measurements are approximate and provided as a general guideline.

Size Category Height Trunk Diameter Description
4" Liners 6–12 inches ¼–½ inch Young plants ideal for training, bonsai, or growing on
Standard 1-Gallon 6–24 inches ¾–1½ inches Well-established plants suitable for landscape or container growing
1-Gallon Extra Large (XL) 12–48 inches ¾–2 inches Grown for a longer period, resulting in better branching, thicker trunks, and a more mature appearance

Please note: Plant size and form will vary depending on the cultivar purchased. Dwarf varieties will naturally be smaller and more compact than standard varieties, even within the same pot size.

Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our Japanese maples are cultivated and shipped from our Canadian nursery with care, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your climate.

 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'
Hardiness Zones
5-9
Mature Height
8-12 ft. tall
Mature Width
4-10 ft. wide
Sun Needs
Full sun to partial shade (partial shade enhances leaf variegation and prevents scorch)
Water Needs
Moderate to high - consistent moisture essential to prevent leaf scorch on delicate variegated foliage
Growth Rate
Slow (9-12 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Highly variegated foliage with ethereal white, pink, and green coloration creating a floating cloud effect
Spectacular Variegated Floating Clouds Foliage

Spectacular Variegated Floating Clouds Foliage

'Ukigumo' (meaning "Floating Clouds") features ethereal white, pink, and green variegated foliage that creates a stunning floating cloud effect. Deeply divided medium-sized leaves emerge pale green in spring with white spots and soft pink edges—some leaves may be entirely white or pink. The variegation can vary year to year depending on environmental conditions, making each season unique and spectacular.
Graceful Undulating Texture

Graceful Undulating Texture

Foliage may twist or undulate gracefully, adding exceptional texture and visual interest beyond the stunning variegation. The delicate leaves create movement and dimension, enhancing the ethereal floating cloud effect. Young trees may initially display more green leaves, with full variegation developing as the tree matures—patience is rewarded with increasingly spectacular displays.
Compact Upright Columnar Form

Compact Upright Columnar Form

Develops a compact, upright, somewhat columnar form with short horizontal twigs, making it suitable for small gardens, containers, or bonsai. Reaches 8-12 feet tall and 4-10 feet wide with slow growth, maintaining an interesting structure even in winter when bare. The vertical form makes it perfect for narrow spaces or as a striking focal point.

Sun Needs

Full sun to partial shade (partial shade enhances leaf variegation and prevents scorch)

Soil

Prefers moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Excellent drainage and consistent moisture are critical for maintaining vibrant variegation and healthy growth. Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils which can lead to root stress and diminished variegation.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-9. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts which can damage delicate variegated new growth. Protection from hot afternoon sun is essential to prevent leaf scorch and preserve variegation—extreme heat in warmer zones may reduce variegation intensity. Partial shade is beneficial in hot climates.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently, especially in the first 2–3 years. 'Ukigumo' requires regular moisture to maintain healthy growth and preserve the delicate variegated foliage. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and keep roots cool. Consistent moisture is essential for maintaining vibrant variegation and preventing leaf scorch on white and pink portions.

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