Ikandi Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Ikandi’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 6a-9a (5a to 9b?) Find Your Zone

Height at Maturity: 8-10′ at 10 years of age; 12-15′ at maturity

Width at Maturity: 4-5′ at 10 years of age; 8-10′ at maturity

Growth Habit / Form: Upright

Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate

Foliage Color in Spring: Cream, White, Green, Rose, Apricot

Foliage Color in Summer: Green shades

Foliage Color in Fall: Yellow Orange and Red shades

Light Needs: Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, Mostly Shade

Water Needs: Average, moderately drought tolerant when established

Soil Type: Clay (amend heavy clay to ensure good drainage), Loam, San

Soil Drainage: Moist But Well Drained, does not like a constantly soggy or wet soil!

Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.0 is ideal

Maintenance: Low

Resistances: Deer – more info, Disease, Heat Tolerant, Insect, Shade

Description

Discovered by Talon Bucholz and perhaps the pinkest of the reticulated Japanese maples, ‘Ikandi’, pronounced “eye candy,” is an upright, vase-shaped, medium-size Acer palmatum that might reach 12 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 or so feet wide at maturity. It sports some amazing foliage variegation and changing colors throughout the seasons. In early spring, the ruffled new leaves emerge a salmon-orange color quickly transitioning to an almost a solid bubblegum pink with hints of green and white. By late spring the leaves have transitioned to a zebra-striped variegation of green and white, holding on to a touch of pink. With the arrival of cooler temperatures in fall the leaves begin transitioning to a kaleidoscope of vibrant color shades from yellows and oranges to reds and purples. Its electric green bark contrasts beautifully with the fall foliage and provides interest throughout the year, especially during the winter months. The coloration of Ikandi will be its best when the tree is situated in a spot that provides some protection from direct afternoon sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade or all-day filtered sun is fine. A fine specimen tree for small to medium size garden spaces and near patios, porches, decks and other outdoor sitting and living spaces where it will certainly provide eye candy.

Note: The leaf variegation of Ikandi develops more intensity as the tree ages.

Landscape & Garden Uses

To showcase its magnificence and beauty, the Ikandi Japanese Maple is best used in the landscape as a focal point specimen to draw attention to a specific area of the home or landscape. That said, you can plant it in groupings where space allows or use two to frame an entrance

Suggested Spacing: At least 14 feet apart for space between trees

Note: One Japanese Maple can make a landscape…that is, if you don’t overcrowd it with other trees and plants. Therefore, when selecting companions to plant under or around your Japanese Maple, make sure to select low-growing shrubs or groundcovers that won’t interfere at all with your tree.

Growing Preferences

Though delicate looking, Japanese Maples are actually very tough and long-lived trees. They are very easy to grow in the ground or in containers. How to Plant A Japanese Maple Tree In A Pot

In their natural habitat, Japanese Maples are understory trees, growing in dappled forest sunlight at the edges of woodlands. Ideally ‘Ikandi’ Japanese Maple prefers to be grown in similar conditions. Avoid direct afternoon sun on this variety. If you’re looking for a Japanese Maple that will tolerate more sun click here.

Most any average garden soil will grow Japanese Maples. They prefer a moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter. As with so many other ornamental plants and trees, constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic. So make sure to plant your Japanese Maple in a well-drained site.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to get helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Japanese Maple trees.

How To Plant A Japanese Maple Tree In The Ground

How to Plant A Japanese Maple Tree In A Pot

How To Fertilize And Water A Japanese Maple Tree

How To Prune A Japanese Maple

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff

Questions? Contact Us!