Ukigumo Maple—A White Highlight in a Sea of Green Foliage

A simple and serene woodland planting combination with shades of green foliage with white highlights results in zen-like, Asian garden feel. The flits of white foliage and flowers will illuminate in a shady spot in your garden. Used here to perfect effect, it's easy to see how Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' got its common name, floating cloud maple. With the exception the maple with its pleasing seasonal changes, this understated vignette is entirely evergreen.

Suggested addition: Hosta 'Patriot' would be a nice addition to the groundcover tapestry—its bright and bold variegation, like a footlight would add even more lightness to scene. The supplemental photo shows the hosta mingling with Adiantum venustum.


Growing Conditions

Zone: 8
Exposure: Open Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Full Shade
Water Needs: Average

Design Considerations

Style: Asian Influenced, City and Courtyard, Woodland
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Low Maintenance
Focus: Year-round Interest, Color Theme, Curb Appeal, Mixed Border
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest, Year-round Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo

  • Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

    Floating Cloud Japanese Maple

    Type: Tree
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

    view plant

  • Adiantum venustum

    Himalayan maidenhair fern

    Type: Fern, Groundcover, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

    view plant

  • Aspidistra elatior

    Cast Iron Plant

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Deep Shade, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 8, 9, 10

    view plant

  • Beesia deltophylla

    False Bugbane

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Open Shade
    Zone: 6, 7, 8

    view plant

  • Cardamine trifolia

    Trifoliate Bittercress

    Type: Groundcover, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

    view plant

  • Fatsia japonica 'Variegata'

    Variegated Japanese Aralia

    Type: Shrub
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 7, 8, 9

    view plant