Sycamore Tree | Acer pseudoplatanus
Iconic winged samaras (fruit)
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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Sycamore Tree
Acer pseudoplatanus
- A lovely, vigorous tree, sycamores are commonplace throughout the UK. These pollution-tolerant trees sport lush green foliage and can also tolerate both salt spray and wind, making them an ideal choice for coastal settings.
- In autumn, winged fruits (called samaras) are borne; these 'helicopters' spin as they fall (in a process named autorotation) to help carry them further on the wind for seed dispersal.
- As the tree matures, it develops a broad, domed shape that's really rather majestic. Deciduous in nature, established sycamores look wonderful in the winter months, their architectural silhouette etched attractively across the skyline.
- Growing to more than 12m given the opportunity, sycamores are the perfect pick for larger gardens. That said, these trees also respond well to the pruning practice of 'pollarding', which helps keep them much smaller.
- Certified by the RHS as one of its Plants for Pollinators, the sycamore tree is known for attracting beneficial pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.
What to expect
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Eventual height
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Habit
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Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Sycamore Tree can be grown in a pot. A 50-60cm pot is ideal. It can live in a pot long-term if repotted every few years. Ensure good drainage and protect roots from freezing temperatures below -5°C.
How big does it get?
The Sycamore Tree is a large tree, reaching a mature height of 20 to 30 metres and a spread of 15 to 20 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Sycamore Tree prefers dappled shade.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Sycamore Tree prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive. Ensure the soil does not freeze below -5°C for optimal root health, applying a 5cm layer of mulch in winter.
How much watering does this plant need?
Sycamore Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Sycamore Tree should be pruned while fully dormant in winter, ideally when temperatures are below 5°C, to prevent sap bleeding.
How hardy is this plant?
The sycamore is exceptionally hardy with an RHS rating of H7, surviving temperatures below -20°C even in the most exposed upland locations in the UK.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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