Acer pseudoplatanus Simon-Louis Frères - Sycamore maple

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Simon-Louis Frères' is a variety of Sycamore Maple that is characterised by remarkable variegated foliage, slow growth, and moderate development. Its foliage changes colour throughout the seasons, displaying various shades of pink in spring, becoming maculate and splashed with cream white on a green background in summer. In autumn, it turns golden yellow and then bronze before falling. A deciduous small tree that deserves to be highlighted in the garden!

Native to mountainous regions of Europe, Acer pseudoplatanus, not to be confused with Acer platanoides, is known by various names depending on the region, such as Sycamore Maple, False Plane Tree, Large Maple, or Mountain Maple, and less commonly White Maple. It is a large forest tree belonging to the Aceraceae family, capable of reaching heights of 35 to 40 meters, often associated with fir and beech trees. This light and semi-shade species can live up to 500 years. Its wood is commonly used in lutherie for making musical instruments.

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Simon-Louis Frères', sometimes marketed as Acer pseudoplatanus f. variegatum 'Simon-Louis Frères', is a variety selected in 1881 by the Simon-Louis Frères nursery, located in Metz, France. This slow-growing tree develops a wide, rounded, and slightly irregular crown. It reaches a height of 5 to 6 meters with a spread of 6 meters at the age of 20. Its deciduous foliage consists of large palmate leaves, divided into 5 pointed and toothed lobes, measuring 15 to 20 cm in length. The variegated colouration of the foliage can vary depending on sun exposure. Flowering occurs in April-May, after the leaves have appeared. The small yellow flowers, highly melliferous, are arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. Fruit production, in the form of 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, peeling off in large plates as it ages.

Sycamore Maple 'Simon-Louis Frères' will stand out when planted alone or in front of a grove of larger trees. Its moderate development is suitable for medium to large gardens. Perfectly resistant to severe frosts, it adapts to any soil that is sufficiently deep, well-drained, and not too dry. Its variegated foliage is sensitive to scorching exposures: prefer a slightly shaded position in the afternoon, especially south of the Loire. To accompany it in the garden, consider, for example, variegated Dogwoods and Japanese Maples. Small shrubby honeysuckles (Lonicera nitida or L. pileata) or Algerian Ivy 'Bellecour' can be planted at its base to enhance its beauty.