Description
The Jordan Japanese maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Jordan') is an exceptional ornamental shrub, prized for its bright, ever-changing foliage throughout the seasons. In spring, young leaves emerge a vivid golden yellow, almost fluorescent, lighting up borders and ornamental gardens instantly. In summer, the foliage takes on a soft green tone while retaining its golden sheen, creating elegant contrast with darker plants. In autumn, it transforms again in a flamboyant display of yellow, orange and red hues.
This cultivar is especially appreciated in contemporary gardens and refined landscapes for its elegant, compact habit, ideal for small spaces, terraces or Japanese gardens. Its moderate growth makes it easy to integrate in various contexts, from specimen planting to mixed shrub borders. It also supports biodiversity, providing shelter for small insects and enriching soil. With good frost resistance and easy care, it suits even novice gardeners seeking a bright, sophisticated focal point.
Geographic origin: Native to Japan, mainly the mountainous regions of Honshu.
Botanical family: Sapindaceae.
Notable features: The 'Jordan' cultivar is a modern selection bred for brilliant golden foliage combined with robustness, quickly becoming a benchmark among Japanese maples.
Description: Deciduous shrub with rounded, dense habit, deeply lobed palmate leaves of fine texture, valued for striking seasonal colour change.
On average 2.5 to 3 metres, rarely more, suiting small gardens or container planting.
Can reach 2 to 2.5 metres wide, with a balanced, rounded silhouette.
Rounded and harmonious, with slightly spreading branches forming a regular crown.
Thin and smooth, brown-grey, becoming slightly striated with age, adding winter interest.
Palmate leaves with 7–9 lobes, bright yellow in spring, turning soft green in summer, then golden-orange to red-gold in autumn.
Moderate growth, about 15–25 cm per year, requiring little pruning.
Good frost hardiness to –20 °C, but sensitive to cold winds and late frosts.
Flowering period: Spring (April–May).
Flowers: Small, purple-red, delicate, in pendent clusters.
Fruits: Winged samaras, brown at maturity, not highly ornamental but functional.
Wildlife value: Attracts some pollinating insects.
Ideal exposure: Bright partial shade; morning or evening sun; avoid harsh midday sun.
Soil type: Moist, humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained.
Soil preparation: Loosen deeply, enrich with compost.
Spacing: 2.5 to 3 m.
Soil nature: Humus-rich, moist, slightly acidic to neutral, non-calcareous.
At planting: Water regularly in the first years.
Mature plant: Tolerates short dry spells; water in heatwaves; mulch to retain moisture.
When and how: Lightly after leaf fall, only to remove dead or misplaced branches; avoid hard pruning.
Method: Grafting onto Acer palmatum or Acer shirasawanum; seedlings will not come true to type.
Placement: Specimen, ornamental bed, terrace, Japanese garden, container.
Companions: Camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, ferns, hostas, dwarf conifers.
No specific traditional uses; grown for ornamental value in keeping with Japanese garden traditions.
Possible susceptibilities: Verticillium wilt, scale, aphids.
Prevention: Avoid heavy, poorly drained soil; strengthen with nettle or horsetail manure; treat aphids with black soap spray.
Shelter from cold winds, plant in partial shade, mulch base, maintain moisture, avoid standing water. Do not hard prune. Combine with plants that highlight its luminous foliage.
'Jordan' retains bright golden foliage through spring and summer, unlike varieties that fade quickly. Good hardiness, harmonious form, illuminates shaded gardens. An ideal collector’s plant bringing elegance, originality, and seasonal colour shifts.
The Jordan Japanese maple adapts well to gardens or terraces. Moderate growth and good frost resistance suit all gardeners. As a specimen, with shrubs or in a pot, it draws the eye with natural light, offering golden, orange and red tones through the seasons.
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