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Acer sikkimense

Sikkim maple

A semi-evergreen maple, rare in cultivation suited to the mildest parts of the country. Ultimately to 12m tall, with red young shoots and usually entire, thick-textured leaves to 15cm long, emerging brilliant red in spring, maturing to glossy dark green, then crimson in autumn; clusters of small greenish-yellow spring flowers are followed by pendent racemes of small brown winged fruit

Synonyms
Acer hookeri

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Red
Summer Green
Autumn Red Brown
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi 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

Plant range
E Himalaya, Sikkim, China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Suited to frost free, mild counties and sheltered inner city locations only, or initally in containers in a frost free greenhouse. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings, or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Coastal
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Pruning group 1, only from late autumn to mid-winter

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and scale insects, including horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus

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