The Botanical Diary
N
Ornamental

Norway Maple

Acer platanoides

The maple leaf is a symbol of Canada on the flag and coins.

Regions
all regions
Colour
yellow (дрібний)
Norway Maple
🌸
Bloom
April (до листя)
☀️
Light
Full sun / напівтінь
💧
Watering
Moderate
📏
Height
15–30 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 4а

Norway Maple is one of the most popular ornamental trees in European gardens, and this is hardly by chance. This handsome specimen originates from the forests of Europe and Western Asia, where it still thrives as a natural inhabitant of mixed woodlands. Thanks to its undemanding nature and rapid growth, Norway Maple has become an integral part of landscape and garden design, with cultivation extending back several centuries.

This tree appears truly majestic: a spreading crown with dense foliage, adorned in spring with delicate yellow-green flowers that resemble tiny stars. Particularly striking is the Norway Maple in autumn, when its leaves burst into brilliant crimson—from golden tones to rich deep red. Breeders have developed numerous interesting cultivars: 'Crimson King' with dark red foliage throughout the season, 'Drummondii' featuring contrasting white margins on the leaves, or the compact 'Globosum' suited for smaller gardens.

In the garden, Norway Maple is a true universal choice. It excels as a standalone accent plant, yet harmonises beautifully with birch, ash, or rowan. The tree feels equally at home in full sun or partial shade, requires minimal maintenance, and adapts readily to the Ukrainian climate across all regions. Plant Norway Maple in your garden, and it will reward you with years of observing nature's transformations, from delicate spring blossoms to a fiery autumn spectacle.

Location & soil

Norway Maple — planting & location

LightFull sun / напівтінь
Soil typeany, рН 6–7,5
Planting timeOctober або April
Plant spacing5–7 m
Planting depthAt root collar level

Striking autumn leaf colouration.

Water needs

How to water Norway Maple

IntensityModerate
FrequencyMay–August (молоді)
Volume20–25
MethodПід крону

Mature specimens tolerate drought.

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Norway Maple

Spring fertilizingNitrogen (April, for young growth).
Summer fertilizingDo not fertilise.
Autumn fertilizingDo not fertilise.
Pruning timeFebruary–March (sanitary)
Pruning typeSanitary

Remove only dead and diseased branches.

Cold hardiness

Norway Maple — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 4а
Winter coverWinter protection not required.
Cover timing
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Norway Maple

Diseases
Powdery mildewтар-листовертка
Pests
Spider miteкоренева попелиця
Garden design

What grows well with Norway Maple?

Береза, ясен, горобина