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 not by chance. This magnificent tree 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 vigorous growth, Norway Maple has become an integral part of garden and park design, with a cultivation history spanning several centuries.

This tree presents a truly stately appearance: a spreading crown with dense foliage, adorned in spring with delicate yellow-green flowers that resemble tiny stars. Norway Maple is particularly stunning in autumn, when its leaves burst into vivid shades of golden and rich red. Plant breeders have developed many interesting cultivars: 'Crimson King' with dark red foliage throughout the season, 'Drummondii' featuring striking white-edged leaves, or the compact 'Globosum' perfect for smaller gardens.

In the garden, Norway Maple is a true all-rounder. It excels as a striking focal point specimen, yet happily accommodates neighbouring birches, ash trees, or rowans. The tree thrives equally well in full sun or dappled shade, requires minimal maintenance, and adapts readily to the Ukrainian climate across all regions. Plant a Norway Maple in your garden, and it will reward you with years of seasonal beauty, from delicate spring blossoms to a spectacular fiery autumn display.

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