Acer pseudoplatanus f. purpureum
purple sycamore
A large, rounded to spreading, deciduous tree with lobed green leaves that are reddish-purple beneath. Yellow-green catkin-like flowers in spring are followed by bunches of winged seeds.
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
more than 50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red Purple | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow Red Purple | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to gall mites, aphids, caterpillars and scale insects, including horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to tar spot, verticillium wilt and honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.