Brilliantissimum

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Acer Brilliantissimum is a beautiful small tree, the perfect choice if you are looking for a colourful maple that won't take up much space.

Brilliantissium has many of the features of the large maples - interesting leaf shapes, attractive colour throughout the season, easy to grow in almost any situation, and a handsome presence - but in a small package.

The new spring leaves have a salmon-pink colour, which turns to pale green over the summer.

As with all forms of the species Acer pseudoplatanus the greenish-yellow flowers which appear in April - May have little ornamental value - but they produce large quantities of pollen and nectar and are very popular with bees.

We sometimes offer top-worked forms of this tree, which enhance the dense mop-head canopy on a longer stem and will not grow much beyond 3m or so.

Brilliantissimum maple trees for sale

All our pot-grown trees are grown for us to our specification by the Frank P Matthews nursery.

All pot-grown trees are suitable for planting out in the garden, some are suitable for growing in containers.

Sorry we have not produced any trees of this variety this season.

How to grow

Although best planted out in the garden, this variety is more slow-growing than others of its species, and also suitable for growing in a large planter.

Like most forms of the species Acer pseudoplatanus it is very tolerant of difficult growing conditions and is a good choice for gardens in coastal situations, where it should survive where others may not. However the best form and leaf colour will of course be achieved in sheltered sunny positions.

History

Trees of the species Acer pseudoplatanus are commonly known as sycamores.

Brilliantissimum characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 1993
• Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plantAttractive foliageAutumn foliage colour
• Growth habitSpreading / Flat-topped
• Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
• SunlightTolerates shade - light shadePrefers full sun
• PruningPrune hard
• Growth rateSlow
• Site conditionsCoastal siteWindy siteAir pollution
• WildlifeRHS Plants for PollinatorsMelliferous
• Flowering monthMay
• Leaf colourGreen
• Leaf colour - autumnMultiple tints
• Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

• Acer pseudoplatanus
  Esk Sunset
  A small slow-growing sycamore maple featuring exotic pink green and white variegated leaves.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.