The Japanese maple tree Acer palmatum ‘Sumi nagashi’ is a matsumurae type. It has deeply separated lobes and serrated leaves and would look great in 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. Some varieties, like Bloodgood, have purple leaves that come out in the spring, but these leaves will be more red. When it gets hot in the south in the summer, the leaves will first turn more red, then bronze, and finally green by the middle of the season. Fall color is bright red.
Japanese maples are prized for their graceful form, vibrant foliage, and striking seasonal color. One of the most beautiful is Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’, a cultivar that showcases brightly-colored red leaves.
In this article we’ll explore the key features of Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’, including its appearance, care needs, and how to use it in your garden. Read on to learn all about this eye-catching Japanese maple.
Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’, also referred to as the dragon’s vein Japanese maple, is a deciduous small tree native to Japan, Korea, and China It typically grows 15-20 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide, with an upright vase shape when young that broadens with age.
The deeply cut, seven-lobed palmate leaves emerge a striking purple-red color in spring. This dark maroon red foliage remains throughout the summer before turning a brilliant crimson in fall. The spring flowers are reddish and relatively insignificant.
‘Suminagashi’ is one of the many cultivars of the diverse Acer palmatum species, prized in gardens for its brightly colored leaves. It is a fast-growing variety, gaining 12-24 inches per year when young.
Key Features of Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’
Here are some of the standout qualities that make 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 elegant form to develop relatively fast.
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Upright vase shape – The naturally upright branching gives ‘Suminagashi’ a tidy vase-shaped habit, especially when young. This makes it a great focal point.
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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 spectacle of color.
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Cold hardy – It can handle winter temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C), expanding its growing range.
With eye-catching red leaves held on an upright vase-shaped form, Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ adds striking elegance and color to gardens.
How to Grow Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’
Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ thrives in zones 5-9, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It needs a moist but not constantly wet soil. Some tips for successfully growing this Japanese maple include:
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Site in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates more sun than many other maple varieties. Just provide some afternoon shade in warm climates.
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Keep the soil consistently moist. Mulch around the tree helps retain soil moisture. Drought stress can cause leaf scorch.
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Shelter from strong winds, which can damage the graceful branching pattern and delicate leaves.
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Fertilize in early spring before leaves emerge using a balanced or nitrogen-based fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen which can inhibit flowering and root growth.
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Prune only when necessary, doing so in late fall or winter when the tree is dormant. Minimal pruning is needed for this maple.
Provided with rich, moist soil and optimal growing conditions, Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ will thrive and showcase its vibrant scarlet foliage.
How to Use Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ in Your Landscape
Here are some great ways to showcase Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ as a focal point or accent plant in your garden:
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As a specimen tree – The shapely form and colorful leaves make ‘Suminagashi’ an ideal specimen tree to display on its own in the landscape. Allow space around it to admire the gracefully arching habit.
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In Asian garden designs – With its Japanese maple lineage, ‘Suminagashi’ naturally fits right into Asian-themed garden designs. Plant it as a focal point surrounded by harmonious plants like camellias, azaleas and ornamental grasses.
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In containers – You can also grow ‘Suminagashi’ in large planters and pots. The dwarf growth habit adapts well to containers, especially with some judicious pruning to keep it compact.
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To add bright color – Use ‘Suminagashi’ as a colorful accent among green-leafed trees and shrubs. The vibrant red leaves will make it pop in the landscape.
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Beside water features – Position ‘Suminagashi’ next to ponds, streams or other water elements to beautifully reflect its form and foliage, creating a serene effect.
No matter where you place it, Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ will become a dramatic focal point and add striking color to your garden or landscape with its intensely red leaves.
Notable Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ Varieties
While the species offers fantastic red color, there are a few noteworthy cultivars of Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ that provide their own unique twists:
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‘Red Dragon’ – Has leaves that emerge bright red-orange and mature to deeper burgundy red. The fall color is similarly 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. The deeply cut 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. Its maturity height reaches just 6-10 feet for a petite look.
Common Pests and Problems
Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ is relatively pest and disease free if provided with optimal growing conditions. Potential issues to watch for include:
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Leaf scorch from too much sun or insufficient irrigation
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Verticillium wilt, a fungal disease causing wilting leaves and dieback
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Pests like aphids, scale, borers and root weevils
Ensure proper cultural care and prune out any damaged branches to maintain the health of your ‘Suminagashi’ maple.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about growing the ‘Suminagashi’ Japanese maple:
How fast does Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’ grow?
It is one of the faster growing Japanese maple varieties, gaining 12-24 inches per year when young before reaching its mature size of 15-20 feet tall and wide.
What soil does ‘Suminagashi’ maple need?
It grows best in moist, well-drained, organically rich, slightly acidic soil. Avoid alkaline, salty or dry soils. Amend clay soils with compost.
Should I prune my Acer palmatum ‘Suminagashi’?
Prune only when necessary, doing so when the tree is dormant in late fall or winter. Avoid excess pruning, as Japanese maples form their shape naturally if given space.
Is ‘Suminagashi’ maple suitable for containers?
Yes, its relatively compact size makes it well-suited for large planter pots. Ensure excellent drainage and provide consistent watering and fertilization.
What companion plants go well with ‘Suminagashi’?
Some great options include azaleas, camellias, ornamental grasses, conifers, astilbe, hostas and other shade-loving perennials.
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