Acer palmatum ‘Sumi nagashi’ is a matsumurae type Japanese maple tree with deeply separated lobes and serrated leaves that will make a wonderful addition to any garden. Introduced in Japan in 1930, Sumi nagashi translates to village on the river bank. Sumi nagashi is fast growing and will mature eloquently. Young trees grow vase shaped an upright, becoming much more rounded and full as they age. Leaves in spring will emerge sort of maroon but will be much more red than the purple color of varieties like Bloodgood. As the heat of our southern summer starts to rise the foliage will first start to turn more red, then bronze before fading to green by mid-summer. Fall color is bright red.
The acer palmatum suminagashi is a spectacular variety of Japanese maple that brings vibrant red color to gardens. With its deeply cut, richly colored leaves and elegant form, it’s one of the most sought-after Japanese maples
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing the acer palmatum suminagashi, including its key features, growing conditions, and how to best showcase it in your landscape Read on to learn what makes this Japanese maple variety a standout choice for gardens
An Overview of Acer Palmatum Suminagashi
Acer palmatum suminagashi, also known as the dragon’s vein Japanese maple, is a deciduous small tree that thrives in USDA zones 5-9. Native to Japan, Korea, and China, it typically grows 15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide when mature, with an upright vase shape when young that gradually broadens with age.
The deeply cut, seven-lobed palmate leaves emerge a striking purple-red color in spring. This dark maroon red foliage remains beautiful throughout the summer before turning a brilliant crimson in fall. The spring flowers are reddish and relatively insignificant.
‘Suminagashi’ translates to “village on the riverbank” in Japanese. It was first introduced to Japan in 1930 and is one of the many cultivars of the diverse Acer palmatum species which are treasured for their elegance and colorful foliage.
Why Acer Palmatum Suminagashi Stands Out
Here are some of the characteristics that make the acer palmatum suminagashi such a vibrant addition to gardens:
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Deeply cut red leaves – The seven-lobed leaves emerge a rich dark red in spring, maintaining this dramatic color through summer before fall brings bright crimson tones.
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Fast growing habit – For a Japanese maple, ‘Suminagashi’ grows quickly when young, putting on over a foot of growth per year. This allows its graceful form to develop relatively fast.
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Upright vase shape – The naturally upright branching pattern creates a tidy vase shape, making it a great focal point, especially when young.
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Thrives in sun or shade – While preferring some afternoon shade, ‘Suminagashi’ tolerates full sun better than many other Japanese maple varieties.
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Excellent fall color – The fall transformation brings warm crimson and orange hues to the foliage for a spectacular display.
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Cold hardy – It can handle winter temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C), expanding its growing range.
With its eye-catching red leaves and upright vase-shaped form, the acer palmatum suminagashi adds striking elegance and vivid color to gardens.
How to Grow Acer Palmatum Suminagashi
The acer palmatum suminagashi thrives in zones 5-9, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Here are some tips for successfully growing this Japanese maple variety:
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Sun – Site in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates more sun than many other maple varieties. Provide some afternoon shade in hot climates.
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Soil – Grows best in moist, well-drained, organically rich, slightly acidic soil. Amend clay soils with compost. Avoid dry, salty, or alkaline soils.
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Irrigation – Keep the soil consistently moist. Mulch helps retain moisture. Drought stress can cause leaf scorch.
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Fertilizer – Fertilize in early spring before leaves emerge using a balanced or nitrogen-based fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen.
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Pruning – Prune only when necessary, doing so in late fall or winter. These maples need minimal pruning.
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Protection – Shelter from strong winds, which can damage the graceful branching pattern and delicate leaves.
Provided with rich, moist soil and optimal growing conditions, the acer palmatum suminagashi will thrive and showcase its vibrant red foliage.
How to Showcase Acer Palmatum Suminagashi in Your Garden
The acer palmatum suminagashi makes a dramatic focal point and adds striking color wherever it’s placed. Here are some great ways to use it in garden and landscape designs:
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As a specimen tree to display its graceful form and colorful leaves
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In Asian-themed gardens, surrounded by plants like camellias, azaleas, and ornamental grasses
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In large planters and pots – its relatively compact size adapts well to containers
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As a colorful accent among green-leafed trees and shrubs to make it pop
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Beside ponds, streams, or water features to reflect its vibrant foliage
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In woodland gardens and partially shaded landscape beds
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Lined along pathways, entries, and borders to welcome visitors
Positioned where its beauty can shine, the acer palmatum suminagashi will become a stunning highlight of your outdoor space.
Noteworthy Acer Palmatum Suminagashi Varieties
While the species is known for fantastic red color, a few cultivars of the acer palmatum suminagashi offer their own unique twists:
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‘Red Dragon’ – Foliage emerges bright red-orange and matures to burgundy red. The fall color is also reddish instead of the typical orange-crimson.
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‘Fire Dragon’ – Features brighter reddish-orange spring leaves that turn vivid crimson in fall. Its leaf lobes have pointed rather than rounded tips.
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‘Beni Komachi’ – The young leaves open a cherry pink before darkening to red. It has a petite mature height of just 6-10 feet.
Potential Pests and Problems
The acer palmatum suminagashi is relatively pest and disease resistant if provided with optimal growing conditions. Potential issues to watch for include:
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Leaf scorch from insufficient watering or too much sun
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Fungal diseases like verticillium wilt and anthracnose
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Pests like borers, root weevils, scale, and aphids
Promptly remove any diseased or insect-damaged foliage. Ensure proper care and air circulation to maintain health.
FAQs About Growing Acer Palmatum Suminagashi
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the acer palmatum suminagashi Japanese maple:
How fast does it grow?
It’s one of the faster growing Japanese maple varieties, gaining 12-24 inches per year when young before reaching its 15-20 foot mature size.
What is the best soil type?
Moist, well-drained, organically rich, slightly acidic soil. Avoid alkaline, salty, or dry soils.
When should I prune my maple?
Prune only when necessary, doing so when dormant in late fall or winter. Avoid excess pruning, as shape develops naturally.
Can I grow it in a container?
Yes, its relatively compact size makes it well-suited for large planter pots. Ensure excellent drainage and consistent watering.
What plants complement it in the garden?
Some great options include azaleas, camellias, ornamental grasses, conifers, astilbe, hostas, and other shade-loving perennials.
With its vivacious red color and shapely form, the acer palmatum suminagashi adds striking beauty as a focal point or specimen tree in gardens. Provide this Japanese maple with rich soil, filtered sun, and consistent moisture for optimal health. Take time to admire its elegance and enjoy the vibrant color it brings to your landscape.
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