Acer Platanoides Deborah Norway Maple

Acer Platanoides Deborah, or Norway Maple Deborah, is a fast-growing and hardy cultivar of the popular Norway Maple (Acer Platanoides). Deborah which will provide colour in your landscape throughout the growing season. The leaves with wavy margins are brilliant red when young, turning to. Yellow flowers in spring contrast beautifully with the red young foliage which turns dark green as the summer progresses and vibrant autumn colour follows.

While the Norway Maple is native to northern Europe, the cultivar Acer Platanoides Deborah was developed in British Columbia, Canada in the 1970’s. It is notable for its colourful foliage; after the yellow-green flowers have bloomed in April, providing a valuable early nectar source for bees and butterflies, the leaves emerge in shades of purplish-red, creating a bright contrast. They are in the standard maple leaf form and up to 20 cm across. The leaves then turn a deep green in the summer, but throughout the season, fresh red leaves which accompany new growth stand out against the green backdrop. In autumn, the leaves turn an orange-yellow shade for yet another pop of colour!

Hardy throughout the UK, Acer Platanoides Deborah will grow to a mature height of 25 metres and spread of 15 metres in 20 to 50 years, with a full, rounded crown. If necessary, prune in late autumn to mid-winter. Space Norway Maple Deborah trees 9-12 metres apart if planting in a row or grouping. These trees will live for more than 100 years, so choose your planting locations with the future in mind!

Plant Acer Platanoides Deborah in full sun or partial shade in an exposed or sheltered position in any moist but well-drained soil. It is not tolerant of salt so should be planted in a sheltered position in coastal areas, but will thrive in city locations as it is highly tolerant of pollution. Deer-resistant, it will do well on country properties without extra protection. Like all Norway Maples, it has a shallow root system, which should be taken into account when planting near pavement.

Acer Platanoides Deborah is an excellent shade tree, so this is a great choice for a specimen tree in a lawn, where its long season of colourful foliage will show to advantage, as well as providing that summer shade. Multiple Norway Maple Deborah trees lining an avenue, or clumped in a group on a large country property would create a striking picture throughout the season. They also make an excellent windbreak.

Acer Platanoides Deborah has much to recommend with colourful leaves, resistance to wind, and adaptability to a wide variety of growing conditions making this large, deciduous tree an excellent choice for UK gardens! Other members of the Norway Maple family include the variegated Acer Platanoides Drummondii, Acer Platanoides Royal Red which has red foliage and Acer Platanoides Globosum which has a naturally rounded growth habit.