Acer pseudoplatanus Sunshine - Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Sunshine' is one of the most attractive varieties of sycamore maple. In spring, the young foliage emerges in delightful shrimp pink tones and gradually evolves into a chartreuse green that beautifully highlights the palmate shape of the leaf blades. When autumn arrives, the leaves change colour again, becoming yellow-orange before eventually falling to the ground. With a slow growth rate and limited adult size, this maple is suitable for small gardens. It is very hardy and requires soil that retains moisture and a semi-shaded exposure in bright climates, as it is sensitive to heat and intense sunlight.

The Maple belongs to the rather exclusive family of Aceraceae, which is named after it and only includes one other genus (Dipteronia). The Acer genus, on the other hand, is prolific with at least 150 species, originating from the entire northern hemisphere (America, Europe, and Asia). Most maples are deciduous trees, but sometimes shrubs, like the famous Japanese Maples, with Acer sempervirens being the exception. This group of trees is characterised by their opposite leaves and their double samara fruits, the "helicopters" of our childhood.
The wild Acer pseudoplatanus is a large European species with palmate leaves, reaching up to 30m in height and living up to 500 years. It is found up to 1500m altitude in the Alps, growing in fertile and cool soils. While it can develop in sunny exposure, it appreciates the semi-shade provided by forest edges.
'Sunshine' is a horticultural variety introduced to the market by Notcutts nurseries, active for five generations in England. It is an improvement of the famous variety 'Prinz Handjery' that was very popular in the 80s. This small slow-growing maple reaches a height of 4 to 5m at maturity, developing a crown about 2.50m wide. The ovoid head, carried by a trunk with dark grey bark, is dense and roughly as wide as it is tall. The young leaves that appear in spring are adorned with a charming shrimp pink colour. They gradually evolve into a yellow-green hue, with lingering pale pink shades, before turning chartreuse green in summer. The undersides of the leaves are light green. The palmate leaves have a highly ornamental shape and measure 8 to 12cm in length. They are divided into five lobes, with a tapered tip and irregularly toothed edges. The veins are clearly visible with their darker green colour compared to the chartreuse of the blade, highlighting its sculptural pattern. The numerous leaves are opposite, like all maples, carried by petioles of approximately 5cm in length and tend to overlap due to the limited size of the tree's crown.
The insignificant flowering takes place in May. The flowers are small, with a diameter of 8mm, and a greenish colour that blends with the abundant vegetation. They are gathered in long pendulous panicles, without any aesthetic interest. They then develop into double-winged fruits, called samaras, measuring 3 to 6cm, which appear in August. When detached by the wind, they fall whirling like the blades of a helicopter, amusing children.
As the plant is deciduous, the leaves fall in autumn, creating a beautiful aesthetic effect with their yellow-orange colour.

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Sunshine' is a small tree that will find a place in even the smallest garden. Careful consideration should be given to its placement, protecting it from intense sunlight and ensuring a certain level of soil and atmospheric moisture. It can be planted alone in a corner of the lawn to admire its evolving colourful foliage, or integrated into a small bed or at the edge of taller trees. Plant Cotinus 'Grace' next to it, a large fast-growing shrub that can protect it from the sun on that side. Its oval foliage will create ever-changing colour effects, culminating in a spectacular autumn display when it turns bright red, contrasting with the yellow-orange of your small maple. You can also create a breathtaking scene by planting the small Euonymus alatus 'Ciliatodentatus' at its base, a compact Winged Spindle with one of the most vibrant autumn colours in the plant kingdom, ranging from bright pink to a unique purple-red. It also produces abundant bicoloured, red-purple and orange fruit, which is particularly decorative (but also toxic, so be careful...).