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Acer pseudoplatanus 'Atropurpureum'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A deciduous tree, to around 20m high, with large, five-lobed leaves held on contrasting red leaf stalks, the leaves mature to dark green, dark red-purple beneath, and turn yellow before falling in autumn. Small yellow-green flowers are produced in spring, followed later by red winged seeds

Synonyms
Acer pseudoplatanus 'Spaethii' misapplied
Acer pseudoplatanus 'Purpureum Spaethii'
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green Red
Summer Green Red
Autumn Yellow Red Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing or North–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, 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. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings, or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
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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