Acer pseudoplatanus Pruhonice - Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Pruhonice' is a variety of Sycamore Maple characterised by an oval, slender crown and beautiful foliage that changes colour. Its young leaves are yellow, sometimes pink, then they turn green to yellowish-green, with a red underside. In autumn, it turns golden yellow, orange, and red before falling. A beautiful deciduous shade tree, suitable for large gardens.

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Pruhonice' is a cultivar of Sycamore Maple named after the place where it was selected, the park of Průhonice Castle in the Czech Republic. Acer pseudoplatanus, not to be confused with Acer platanoides, is a tree native to mountainous regions of Europe that is known by various names depending on the region, including Sycamore Maple, False Plane Tree, Great Maple, or Mountain Maple, less commonly White Maple. It is a large forest tree of the Aceraceae family that can reach a height of 35 to 40 metres, often associated with fir and beech trees. This light and semi-shade tree can live up to 500 years. Its wood is commonly used for the production of musical instruments.

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Pruhonice' has a more oval than rounded canopy. It reaches a height of 16 to 20 metres and a spread of 7 to 8 metres at the age of 25. Its deciduous foliage is composed of large palmate, slightly rough leaves, divided into 5 deep lobes. They measure about 10-20 cm wide. The foliage colour may vary slightly depending on sun exposure. Generally, the young leaves are yellow to pink, then they turn slightly green while retaining a dark red underside. They take on fiery tones in autumn before falling. Flowering occurs in April-May, after the leaves have appeared. The small, greenish-yellow, nectar-rich flowers are arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. The fruiting, in the form of two-winged fruits called samaras, is abundant. It only appears on specimens aged at least 20 years. The bark of the branches is olive green to grey and flakes off in large plates as it ages.

The 'Pruhonice' Sycamore Maple will be highlighted when planted as a specimen tree or in a large grove. Its growth is suited to fairly spacious gardens. It is perfectly hardy and adapts to any soil that is sufficiently deep, rich, and not too dry. To accompany it in the garden, consider, for example, Hydrangea macrophylla, these semi-shade summer-flowering shrubs with large round inflorescences in pink, blue, or white, will contrast with the maple's foliage. You can plant spring bulbs such as daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses, and grape hyacinths at its base. They will bloom before the tree unfolds its foliage, bringing an early touch of colour to the garden.