Acer palmatum 'Amagi shigure' Japanese Maple

'Amagi shigure' is a compact Japanese maple with striking reticulated variegation: lavender to purple-fuchsia leaves are marked by deep purple veins that create an intricate etching pattern across the foliage, intensifying in spring new growth and softening to emerald-green with persistent veining by late summer. The tree reaches approximately 6 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide in ten years, developing a semi-pendulous, vase-like form with proportionally large leaves. Fall color shifts to orange-red. According to the growers at Mr Maple, this cultivar originated in Japan and was named by Mr Hamano in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, around 1993; it was subsequently championed by collector Talon Buckholtz and introduced to North America. The intensity and tone of the purple coloring vary significantly with light exposure, deeper lavender in sun, more metallic sheen in shade, making it well-suited to container growing, where it can be repositioned seasonally to achieve preferred color. Protection from hot afternoon sun supports optimal growth and color development.