Field maple 'Huibers Elegant' - Acer campestre 'Huibers Elegant'
Full sun or partial shade. Sheltered or exposed.
Fully hardy (RHS H6)
Height up to 12m Spread up to 6m Time : 10 to 20 years
Moist but well-drained; tolerates chalk, clay, loam and sand. PH: Acid, neutral or alkaline.
OVERVIEW
A refined field maple with a neat, relatively narrow crown and attractive green foliage that turns rich golden-yellow in autumn. Its tolerance of different soils and exposed conditions makes it a reliable choice for gardens, avenues and urban planting.
Key characteristics:
- Refined, relatively narrow crown
- Golden-yellow autumn foliage
- Excellent soil and exposure tolerance
- Ideal for: Gardens, avenues, exposed sites and urban planting
- Seasonal interest: Spring flowers; late-summer fruits; golden autumn foliage
- Flower colour: Greenish-yellow; April–May
- Fruit colour and season: Winged fruits ripening red; late summer–autumn
- Foliage autumn colour: Dark green leaves turning deep golden-yellow in autumn
PLANTING ADVICE
Water the tree thoroughly before planting. Carefully remove it from the pot and dig a hole around twice the width of the rootball, but no deeper. Set the tree so the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill with the excavated soil mixed with organic matter where appropriate, firm gently and water well.
- Support / Staking : Stake at planting if the site is exposed or the rootball is not stable. Use a short stake positioned at about 45° and secure the trunk with a flexible tree tie, leaving room for movement. Check the tie regularly and remove the stake after one to two growing seasons once the roots are established.
CARE
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons, especially in dry or windy weather. Aim the water at the root zone rather than the trunk. A 5–8cm mulch will help retain moisture, but keep it clear of the stem.
- Feeding: Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser in spring if growth is weak or the soil is poor. Avoid overfeeding, which can encourage soft growth. Renew an organic mulch in spring to support soil structure and moisture retention.
- Pruning: As a tree, prune only to remove dead, damaged, diseased or crossing branches in late summer. As a hedge, trim once in late summer to encourage retention of brown leaves through winter.
- Ongoing care: Keep a weed-free circle around the base while the tree establishes and maintain a 5–8cm mulch, leaving a gap around the trunk. Check stakes and ties at least twice a year. Water during prolonged dry spells and inspect periodically for damaged, crossing or diseased branches.
- Safety: Not intended for consumption. Beech mast and fallen leaves should not be eaten and may create a slip hazard on hard surfaces. Supervise children and pets around newly planted and staked trees. Do not allow any part of the plant to be eaten.
VERVE RECOMMENDS....
For best results, plant with Verve Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost and feed with Verve Growmore Fertiliser to encourage strong roots, healthy growth and vibrant foliage.