Acer palmatum Orido-Nishiki

From green-and-pink to pure white, the new foliage on this Maple surprises and delights . . . not to mention the new pink-tinged stems and bark. All Japanese Maples are colorful, of course, but Orido-Nishiki takes the rainbow to new heights with stunning tri-colored spring foliage (coupled with pink-striped stems and bark!) that lasts through summer, then changes to yellow and red for fall. One of the merriest trees you can find for the partly-shaded garden, it is breathtaking in its distinctive beauty.

Every leaf is different, some emerging pure white, others pale pink, and still others a combination of dark and light pink, white, and fresh celery-green. Spring is even more colorful than fall for Orido-Nishiki, for the bark and stems get into the act, sporting dashes of pink among the mahogany and russet tones. And when summer comes, the leaves keep their variegation — no “”greening out”" here.

With the first fall cold snap, they glow in shades of yellow and red. No two are exactly alike, no matter what the season!Orido-nishiki reaches 15 to 18 feet tall and wide over a period of 15 to 20 years. It is a vigorous tree, upright and well-shaped, that thrives best in partial shade. (Don’t give it too much shade, however — sun brings out the most spectacular variegation!) Like all Japanese Maples, it is wonderfully indifferent to heat and humidity.Orido-Nishiki is the ideal specimen for that choice position in the front yard, large patio, or backyard nook. It is easy to grow in rich, moist soil, well enriched with organics, and once established is very tolerant of adversity. This is a tree you will love for a lifetime. Zones 5-8.