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Variegated Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus Brilliantissimum

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British Grown – The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more

Product Description

ACER PSEUDOPLATANUS BRILLIANTISSIMUM - Variegated Sycamore

Characteristics

This is a small, slow-growing tree with a dense round head. Top-grafted onto a short stem this tree will not grow much larger than 5m (16ft). The young leaves are shrimp-pink in spring and change to pale yellow-green, then darker green with yellow marbling as the summer progresses. One of the major attractions of this tree is that it provides a splash of early colour contrasting well with other foliage and lasting through the summer.  It is suitable for container planting or a welcome addition to the border.

Where to grow

Can be grown in most soil types though it doesn’t like water logged sites or a high water table. Full sun or partial shade are good, avoid deep shady sites as this will effect the colour and size of the leaves. In late summer, the edges of the leaves can start to show stress but this will not harm the tree. 

Did you know?

This tree is normally propagated via top grafting. This means that branches of the Acer pseudoplatanus Brilliantissimum are grafted onto the stem of an already existing tree with a fairly long stem. The reason this is done is that the Brilliantissimum is so slow growing and will not grow straight, so a rootstock with a straight stem is used to obtain the desired look.
 

 

Features

Mature Height

Very Small up to 5 metres

Spread

0-5 metres

Shape / Habit

Round Headed

Growth Rate

Very Slow

Soil Type

Clay
Chalk/Limestone
Light sandy

Sun Levels

Full sun
Partial shade

Difficulty / Hard to Grow

Easy

Evergreen / Deciduous

Deciduous

Leaf Colour

Green and Yellow (variegated)

Foliage

Early to Leaf
Large Leaves

Uses

Garden Tree
Small garden Tree
City/Urban Sites
Suitable for Containers
Suitable for Patio

Season

Spring

Other Features

Needs shelter

Aftercare

Pruning Acer Pseudoplatanus Brilliantissium

Acer Pseudoplatanus Brilliantissium is a variegated cultivar, however new shoots may revert to plain, so remove these shoots if they appear. No other pruning is necessary other than to take out diseased, damaged or crossing stems. Take these off ensuring you make a clean cut that is flush with the main stem.

What time of year should I prune?  Prune in winter (November to January) when the plant is dormant. Acers will bleed if pruned too early.

 

For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.

Watering

The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.

Weed Control

One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.

  1. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
  2. Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
  3. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.

Staking

If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.

Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.

  • 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
  • 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
  • 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.

Ties

Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.

Protection from Animal Damage

Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.

Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?

Yes the delivery costs are the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.

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