Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

This upright growing Japanese Maple is famous for its unique color display during the spring and early summer. The name means "floating clouds". The spring leaves are variegated with white, which often covers the whole leaf. During the summer, the color will turn to medium green. The fall color is bright orange and yellow. The variegation is affected by the environment. It will often be completely green which is frustrating. I have discovered the best variegation occurs when 'Ukigumo' emerges from dormancy slow, cold, dry, and partly shady. Unfortunately it is difficult to control all of these factors in the landscape. But most people who grow this variety will see great color at least every 2 or 3 years.