Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size5 x 4 metres in 20 years
FoliageGreen leaves turn fiery colours in autumn (deciduous)
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Commonly referred to as a Snake Bark maple, Acer davidii ‘George Forrest’ has wonderful striated, snakeskin-like bark. The young bark varies from purple/red to green with creamy white stripes. In maturity the bark turns green/brown with white stripes. The leaves are large and dark-green on coral red stems in summer and in autumn turn fiery orange.
Planted in any soil with good drainage and out of cold winds, ‘George Forrest’ will grow to 5 x 4 metres in 20 years and will form a slightly spreading tree with arching branches and a loose attractive canopy.
AKA Snake Bark Maple, Snakebark Maple, Père David’s maple ‘George Forrest’
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
