Acer campestre 'Royal Ruby'

Plants for pollinators
Trees

A deciduous tree to about 8-10m in height, with a rounded, spreading habit. Palmate, 5-lobed, leaves emerging red-purple in spring, becoming dark green in summer, then turn a deep golden-yellow, flushed red in autumn. Green spring flowers are followed by winged fruits ripening to red

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Ideal for chalk soils. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens

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 coral spot, Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus