Norway maple "Drummondii" large

• Species: Norway maple, Acer platanoides
• Height at maturity: about 10–12 m
• Crown spread: about 7–8 m
• Flowering: April–May, yellow-green clusters
• Foliage: green with creamy-white margin, yellow in autumn
• Light: full sun or part shade
• Soil: ordinary garden soil, fresh, well drained
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–5, no cover needed
• Supplied as: large plant

Planting. Plant in spring or autumn in an open sunny or lightly shaded site, at least 5–6 m from buildings. Dig a hole 2–3 times the root ball width, keep the root collar at ground level, always stake the tree and water well.

Care. Mulch the base and keep it weed-free for the first 2–3 years. Variegated maples sometimes produce plain green shoots; snap them off at once so the tree does not lose its decorative look.

Watering and feeding. In the first season give 20–30 L weekly in drought; established trees rarely need water. Apply a tree fertiliser in spring and potash with phosphorus in autumn.

Winter and pruning. Very hardy (USDA zones 4–5), no cover needed. Shape the crown and remove dead branches during dormancy (late autumn–winter), never in spring when the sap is flowing, as maples bleed.