Acer pseudoplatanus Brilliantissimum - Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Brilliantissimum', sometimes nicknamed shrimp tree, is undoubtedly one of the most delightful varieties of sycamore maple. In spring, this small tree is covered with remarkably pink foliage, of rare delicacy, before turning green in summer and golden yellow in autumn. With a rather slow growth and moderate development, this maple is well suited for small gardens. Perfectly hardy but sensitive to heat and intense sunlight, it is best reserved for the cool regions of our country and partially shaded exposures.

Native to mountainous regions of Europe, Acer pseudoplatanus, not to be confused with the Acer platanoides, is known as sycamore maple, false plane tree, great maple, or mountain maple, and less commonly as white maple, depending on the region. It is a large forest tree of the Aceraceae family that can reach a height of 35 to 40 metres (114 feet 10 inches to 131 feet 2 inches), often associated with fir and beech trees. This light and semi-shade species can live up to 500 years.

The 'Brilliantissimum' cultivar was selected in England in 1905 for its compact habit and exceptional foliage. This maple, which will reach an average height of 7 metres (23 feet) with a spread of 5 metres (16 feet 5 inches), has a generally pyramidal shape. Its crown is naturally ovoid. Grafted at the collar, it can be grown as a standard or as a vine-plant. Grafted at the top, at 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) from the ground, it will form a single trunk topped with a bushy crown. The deciduous foliage is composed of palmate leaves divided into 5 pointed, dentate, and strongly veined lobes. The unique feature of this foliage is its salmon pink colour at budbreak. The flowering, interesting but moderately abundant, takes place in May, after the leaves have appeared. The small yellow flowers, highly nectariferous, are arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. The fruiting, in the form of two-winged fruits called samaras, is abundant. It only appears on subjects that are at least 20 years old. The bark of the branches is smooth and brown. As it ages, it flakes off in large plates.

Acer 'Brilliantissimum' undoubtedly deserves to be planted as a specimen tree in a small garden. However, its location must be carefully chosen, as it must be in partial shade, away from intense sunlight that would scorch its foliage. While it is perfectly resistant to heavy frost and wind, it is sensitive to dry and hot climates, as well as overly acidic and dry soils. It will be enhanced when planted in the center of a bed of summer-flowering shrubs that will provide it with the colour it lacks in summer. It can also be associated with deciduous hedges, Carpinus 'Orange Retz', and Cotinus for their magnificent autumn foliage. Plant small shade-loving perennials (lamium, Epimedium, Geranium macrorrhizum, Ophipogon planiscapus 'Niger') at its base to enjoy its beautiful bark and flamboyant autumn colours.