Acer laurinum
laurel maple
A large, tropical evergreen tree, about 30m tall in the wild, but forming a small tree or large shrub in British gardens, and suitable only for the mildest counties. Coppery-red young leaves mature to glossy green, 17cm long and grey-silver beneath, Yellowish flowers from mid summer to early autumn are followed by yellow-brown winged fruits, produced until early winter
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Bronze Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Yellow Brown | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Suitable for frost-free locations only. Can be grown short-term in a container and overwintered in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory
Propagation
Propagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Very little to no pruning required. For more advice refer to pruning group 1.
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
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