Acer sinopurpurascens
Very rare in cultivation this small, spreading deciduous tree is about 10m in height, with smooth greyish-brown bark. Leaves are deeply five-lobed or rarely three-lobed, the upper surface dark green, paler green beneath and turning yellow in autumn. Showy purplish-red flowers in hanging clusters in spring are followed by pale yellow, bristly winged fruits
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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 fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer. Note: difficult to propagate, possibilities for grafting being limited by the absence of related species. Seed is not a useful alternative as it is a dioecious species and specimens are widely separated
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
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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