Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size5 x 4 metres in 20 years
FoliageGreen leaves turn orange in autumn (deciduous)
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Acer griseum boasts tactile, cinnamon coloured, peeling bark, hence the common name of Paper Bark Maple. Translucent sections of the paper-thin, peeling bark curl ornately whilst still attached to the tree, giving year-round interest but especially in winter. Flowers are small but followed by winged seeds often referred to as ‘helicopters’ due to the way they spin when falling.
The attractive foliage has three leaflets and is a good bold green, turning a firework display of colours from pink to bright red before falling in the autumn.
This small Maple tree will reach a height and spread of 5 x 4 metres in 20 year. The slow growing nature and year round interest makes it a great choice for smaller gardens. Both sunny or partially shaded locations are suitable as long as they are not exposed to the wind. Acer griseum, the Paperbark Maple, holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Interesting fact: E H Wilson brought Acer griseum to England from China in 1901. The tree in Westonbirt Arboretum is believed to be a Wilson original.
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.
