Common name: Sumi-Nagashi Japanese Maple (Ink Brush)

Description: This striking cultivar of the Japanese Maple is named after the Japanese art of ink painting, reflecting its dramatic dark foliage. The deeply divided, palmate leaves emerge in spring with rich burgundy-red tones that gradually deepen to an almost black-purple colour in summer, creating one of the darkest foliages of any Japanese maple. The leaves have deeply cut lobes that give them an elegant, lacy appearance. In autumn, the foliage transforms to brilliant scarlet and orange tones before dropping. This variety develops an upright, vase-shaped habit with graceful branching. The extremely dark summer foliage makes an excellent contrast plant and provides a dramatic backdrop for lighter-coloured plants in the garden.

Other benefits: exceptional dark foliage colour, excellent contrast plant, elegant leaf shape, outstanding autumn display

Wildlife attraction: bees, small birds for seeds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 2m

Position: full sun to partial shade; benefits from some afternoon shade in hot climates

Soil pH: adaptable to most soils; prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions

Moisture: consistent moisture preferred; mulching beneficial; avoid waterlogged conditions

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -25°C