Roughbark Maple or Three Flowered Maple Acer Triflorum
Description & features
British Grown - The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more
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Bare root guideSize and quantity
All prices include VAT
All prices include VAT
All prices include VAT
All prices include VAT

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 TRIFLORUM - Roughbark Maple or Three Flowered Maple
Characteristics
This relatively rare, small tree is underused in gardens as it has some wonderful qualities. A bushy tree that will grow slowly to 8m (25ft) high with a spread of 6m(20ft). It is not dissimilar to and a close relative of Acer Griseum. Its three lobed leaves produce a consistently stunning autumn colours of orange and red. As the name would suggest the light brown to cinnamon-red bark peels off on in vertical strips giving the impression of having vertical strips.
Where to grow
It will grow well in either full sun or partial shade on any aspect. It will grow in all but the worst of soils, though it does very well on moist, rich, free draining soil.
Did you know?
Native to China and Korea, this tree is rarely found in Europe outside of arboretums and collections. The reason for this seems to be the parthenocarpic (The production of fruits without fertilisation) tendencies of the plant. This means that propagation can be tricky, with most of the seed unviable.
Features
- Mature height
- Small - 5-10 metres
- Spread
- 5-10 metres
- Shape / habit
- Round Headed
- Growth rate
- Very Slow
- Soil type
- All soil types
- Sun levels
- Full sun
- Partial shade
- Difficulty / hard to grow
- Medium
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Deciduous
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Winter
- Autumn colour
- Orange
- Red
- Yellow
- Leaf
- Green
- Foliage
- Small leaves
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Flowering month
- April
- Yes
- Uses
- Garden Tree
- Small garden Tree
- City/Urban Sites
- Suitable for Containers
- Suitable for Patio
Features
- Mature height
- Small - 5-10 metres
- Spread
- 5-10 metres
- Shape / habit
- Round Headed
- Growth rate
- Very Slow
- Soil type
- All soil types
- Sun levels
- Full sun
- Partial shade
- Difficulty / hard to grow
- Medium
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Deciduous
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Winter
- Autumn colour
- Orange
- Red
- Yellow
- Leaf
- Green
- Foliage
- Small leaves
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Flowering month
- April
- Yes
- Uses
- Garden Tree
- Small garden Tree
- City/Urban Sites
- Suitable for Containers
- Suitable for Patio
Aftercare
Pruning Acer Triflorum
Acer triflorum has a wonderful stem that, with early training, will be displayed well for your enjoyment. Once established keep pruning to a minimum; only removing young growth.
Damaged and diseased stems should be removed as soon as you spot them. Remove the stems fully, 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 sap 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 for 3 years after planting that your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass. The way to eliminate grass in order of effectiveness is:
- Spray off the grass with a glyphosate based weed killer such as Roundup. Apply each year for the first 3 years. It is best applied when the tree is dormant as it is absorbed through green leaves and kills the plant off at the roots.
- Firmly fit a mulch mat around the base of the tree by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. This can be done after the initial spraying with glyphosate and should avoid the need for further spraying.
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.
By Carol on 18/10/2019
Which is best for autumn colour - acer ginnala or acer triflorum?
By Simon on 18/10/2019
Hi Carol,
both brilliant options, but different in colouring. Acer triflorum produces more orangey hues, with yellows and reds, whereas Acer ginnala is more bright red in overall colouring. Can’t go wrong with either!