Acer tonkinense

RHS Plant Profile
Tonkin maple
Trees

Very rare in cultivation, this upright, deciduous tree about 12m in height, has smooth, dark brown bark, purplish to olive green branchlets and palmate, purplish-green 3-5 shallow-lobed leaves, to 15cm long and wide, the young leaves red beneath and the autumn colour orange-yellow to red. Flower clusters produced in spring are yellow, followed by yellowish-green winged fruits, the wings spreading horizontally, in early autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Sand, Loam

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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 fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, in a sheltered location. Suitable for southern counties in a frost-free location or grow in a container and overwinter in a frost-free place. See tree cultivation for further advice

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

  • Cottage and informal garden

Pruning

Pruning group 1 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