Acer pseudoplatanus Foliis Atropurpureis Argenteovariegata - Maple

The Acer pseudoplatanus 'Foliis Atropurpureis Argenteovariegata' is a variety of Sycamore Maple of Polish origin, very rare in cultivation. It is characterised by a marbled green palmate foliage that is irregularly variegated with white, sometimes with simple dots, sometimes in large patches. The green is very dark, accentuating the variegation's visibility, and the leaf's underside is purple-pink. It is undoubtedly a very ornamental variety with slow growth and moderate development. In autumn, it turns bright yellow and orange before falling. All these beautiful shades occur in sunny exposure and partial shade to brighten up a slightly dark corner of the garden. 

Native to mountainous regions of Europe, the Acer pseudoplatanus, not to be confused with the Acer platanoides, is known as Sycamore Maple, False Plane Tree, Great Maple or Mountain Maple, less commonly White Maple, depending on the region. It is a large forest tree of the maple family that can reach a height of 35 m (115ft) to 40 m (131ft), often paired with spruce and beech. This light and semi-shade tree can live up to 500 years. Its wood is commonly used for the production of musical instruments.

The Acer pseudoplatanus 'Foliis Atropurpureis Argenteovariegata' is a named variety, described and introduced into commerce in 1909 by Feliks Rożyński. It was cultivated in the famous Podzamcze nurseries until 1913 before disappearing for several decades. It is now propagated from the few large specimens that have survived. With slower growth than other species, the upright tree reaches about 4 to 5 m (13 to 16ft) in height and 3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft) spread after 20 years. Its deciduous foliage is composed of large palmate leaves divided into 5 pointed and toothed lobes measuring 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) in length. The white marbling on the leaves sometimes appears as just sprinkled with white dots, sometimes in large patches, covering most of the leaf surface. 

Flowering occurs in April-May, after the appearance of the leaves. The small yellow flowers, highly nectar-producing, are arranged in terminal clusters that hang down. The fruiting, in the form of two-winged fruits called samaras, is abundant. It only appears on trees that are at least 20 years old. The bark of the branches is olive green to grey. As it ages, it flakes off in large plates.

The Acer pseudoplatanus 'Foliis Atropurpureis Argenteovariegata' is showcased when planted alone or in front of a grove of larger and darker trees. Its moderate development is suitable for medium to large gardens. Perfectly resistant to strong frosts, wind, and sea spray, it adapts to any soil that is sufficiently deep and moist without excess limestone. Its variegated foliage fears scorching exposures: prefer semi-shaded exposure in hotter climates. Highlight its colours by planting a shrub with pink or purple foliage nearby to emphasise the colouration of the underside of its leaves. Try the Acer palmatum 'Twomblys Red Sentinel'. In addition to its variegated foliage, consider variegated dogwoods or plant a variegated ivy at its base, such as Hedera colchica 'Dentata Variegata'.