Acer grosseri var. hersii (Acer)

History

Acer is the latin word for maple and means 'hard' or 'sharp'. The name is thought to have come from the Romans using the maple wood for arrow shafts. The word grosseri is for W. C. Grosser, the 20th century German botanist and 'hersii' is named after a Mr. Hers, a Belgian railway engineer who was also a gifted amateur botanist. Acers originate from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Eastern China.

Planting

Dig a hole larger than the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in compost or well rotted organic material. Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots, stake the plant and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, stability in windy conditions and a good start for the plant.

Propagation

Seeds (Plant November to March), layering and semi-ripe/ripewood cuttings.

Cultivation

Grows well in any moist but well drained reasonably fertile soil in a sunny position with partial shade. It will tolerate heavy clay soils, windy conditions and some pollution.

Aftercare

Stake the tree when young and water well until it is established. An annual application of a mulch around the base of the plant will help protect young trees from frost in winter months and in furture years, will help retain moisture, improve the soil structure and fertility. The tree would also benefit from feeding with a general fertiliser in March. Needs little pruning only to cut out dead and diseased foliage and where necessary cut out crossing branches to retain a good shape. Pruning should be done in autumn or early winter.

Pests

Caterpillars

Diseases

Honey Fungus, Gall Mites

Other information

This tree has been given the 'Award of Garden Merit' by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Height/Spread

A relatively small Acer which can grow up to 15m in height. Young trees grow rapidly but then settle down to a slow rate of expansion; Less than 30cm per annum. This variety is grown predominantly for its ornamental green and white striped bark which gives the appearance of 'snake skin'. It has upright branches and 15cm, thick, rubbery, triangular/ovate green leaves, with 3 shallow lobes per side. Flowering takes place in March/April in the form of yellow pendant racemes; followed by distinctive seeds.  Long strings support clusters of seeds which grow in pairs and have large broad wings. The leaves turn vivid shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn.  

Annual care

March

Feed with a general fertiliser.

October

Apply a mulch of well rotted organic material to the base of the tree.

November

Prune only if required, cut out any dead or damaged foliage and shape if necessary.