Acer Palmatum Ukigumo, also called Floating Clouds Japanese maple, is a striking specimen to behold in a garden. The name, which fittingly translates to “floating clouds,” is reminiscent of delicate misty clouds clinging to forested mountain tops.
Ukigumo has small leaves mixed with light and dark green with a fine mist of white blown over them. The clustering leaves flow like drifting clouds around green-gray bark that peeks through the “mist” of branches like distant trees on mountains.
Acer Palmatum Ukigumo Leaves
I find it very easy to get lost in poetics with Ukigumo. The tree is quite unusual. In the first year, leaves tend to be larger, and less white. Each year of age brings whiter, and daintier leaves with some puckering and curling. Some growers will find pale tones of pink, and others crisp white, sometimes there’s a hint of soft yellow among the maple’s leaves.
Ukigumo Japanese Maple Growth Habit
The Ukigumo Japanese maple will grow to about 10–12 feet at maturity, adding about 6 inches each year. It tends to grow vertically and widens at the top. Ukigumo won’t develop a broad spreading canopy, instead, it seems to send out shoots, and then fills in the branches as it ages.
While most Acer Palmatums prefer shade, this is one that absolutely must have it to perform. Many growers complain about its lack of white when planting the tree in full sun. I find the older my Ukigumo Japanese maple gets, the whiter the leaves become. So be patient with this tree, and you will be rewarded.
Buy Floating Clouds Japanese Maple
Want to buy this eye-catching tree? It’s available in our online store here. If we are sold out, or you’d like a larger specimen, please contact us. We often have special trees in reserve and can always order exactly what you’re looking for!
