About

Acer davidii 'Karmen' is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of approximately 10 meters within two decades. It features bark with prominent white streaks and has narrow, tapered leaves that exhibit shallow lobes on young growth. Initially, the foliage appears in deep brown and bronze hues, transitioning to green during the summer, and ultimately displaying vibrant orange and yellow shades in the fall.

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

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
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Trees
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
8-12 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, in a sheltered position with protection from drying winds. Thrives in part shade, as some sun is needed to develop the leaf colour, but will tolerate full sun if soil is reliably moist. Mulch in spring to improve moisture retention
Pruning
Minimal pruning required; see pruning group 1. Prune from late autumn to mid-winter only
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings, layering or grafting
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus