Overview
Acer campestre 'Nanum' is a columnar upright, bushy trees in the genus Acer, part of the Sapindaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Acer campestre 'Nanum' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Acer campestre 'Nanum' is a gradually maturing deciduous tree, reaching approximately 3 meters in height within a decade. It features a compact, rounded canopy adorned with five-lobed foliage that transforms into shades of yellow and orange during the fall. In spring, the tree produces small green flowers, which are succeeded by the characteristic winged fruits typical of maples.
About the genus
Acer consists of deciduous trees or sizable shrubs featuring pairs of leaves that are frequently palmately lobed. These plants produce small flowers that give way to distinctive winged fruits. Numerous species display vibrant autumn foliage, while certain varieties also exhibit decorative stems.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Acer
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Acer campestre 'Nanum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Acer campestre 'Nanum'
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Suitable for chalky soils. See tree cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1. Prune from late autumn to mid-winter only
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in mid to late autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to gall mites, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to tar spot, verticillium wilt and honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Acer campestre 'Nanum'?
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Suitable for chalky soils. See tree cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Acer campestre 'Nanum'?
Acer campestre 'Nanum' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Acer campestre 'Nanum' need?
Acer campestre 'Nanum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Acer campestre 'Nanum'?
Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1. Prune from late autumn to mid-winter only.
How big does Acer campestre 'Nanum' grow?
Acer campestre 'Nanum' reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Acer campestre 'Nanum' hardy in the UK?
Acer campestre 'Nanum' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Acer campestre 'Nanum'?
Propagate by seed in mid to late autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer.
Is Acer campestre 'Nanum' good for pollinators?
Yes — Acer campestre 'Nanum' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.