About

Acer monspessulanum, the Montpelier maple, is a neat, densely branched small deciduous tree reaching around 8 metres with a pleasingly rounded crown. Its small, glossy, dark green three-lobed leaves are leathery in texture and remain on the tree late into autumn. Profuse yellow-green flowers hang in pendant clusters in spring, followed by attractive red-winged fruits through summer. An excellent, drought-tolerant, small garden tree.

About the genus

Acer is a large genus of deciduous trees and large shrubs, with a handful of evergreen species, distributed across the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Maples are typically recognised by their paired, often palmately lobed leaves and the distinctive winged fruits (samaras) that follow small, often inconspicuous flowers. Many are celebrated for brilliant autumn colour, and several species are prized for ornamental bark.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeTrees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toSE Europe to W Asia

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1 from late autumn to midwinter only
PropagationPropagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
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