About
Acer davidii 'Rosalie' is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 10 meters within two decades. Its young branches display a purple hue during the winter months, while the mature bark features an olive green coloration marked by prominent white streaks. The elongated, tapered leaves initially appear glossy dark red, transitioning to green as they mature and eventually showcasing a vibrant yellow in the autumn. In spring, the tree produces drooping clusters of small yellow-green flowers, which are succeeded by winged seeds.
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
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
- Toxicity
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, in a sheltered position with protection from drying winds. Thrives in part shade, 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 aphids, leafhoppers, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, caterpillars and rose leaf-rolling sawfly, large rose sawfly. Also rabbits and deer can cause damage
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus