About
Acer monspessulanum subsp. ibericum is a small deciduous tree that typically reaches around 8 meters in height. Its bark is grey, and when young, it boasts a dense coverage of leathery, grey-green leaves that are divided into three lobes. As the tree matures, the foliage becomes less dense and reveals a lighter, hairy underside. In autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow. The tree produces clusters of yellow-green flowers in drooping racemes, which are succeeded by red-winged fruits that appear in midsummer.
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
- Clay, Sand, Loam
- 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
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed (trees and shrubs), layering in autumn, grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
- 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