Montpellier Maple
Acer monspessulanum · Sapindaceae
📷 Fritz Geller-Grimm · CC BY-SA 2.5
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around montpellier maple and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to May
- Adult size
- 6 to 8 m tall
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin (France, Spain, Italy)
- Leaf type
- Palmate, trilobate
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Montpellier maple hates waterlogged soil: plant it in well-drained soil, even chalky, and water only if the soil really dries out. Once established (2-3 years), it's self-sufficient and tolerates summer drought very well.
The common mistake
Gardeners drown it by watering regularly like a delicate young plant, when it actually suffers almost exclusively from root asphyxia rather than drought.
The pro's trick
Lightly mulch the first summer to retain moisture, but clear the mulch away from the collar in autumn: this maple fears crown rot in humid climates.
Care
Sunlight
The Montpellier Maple prefers a sunny location for optimal development and spectacular autumn foliage. However, it tolerates partial shade, though growth will be slightly slower. Avoid overly windy exposures that could damage young branches.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to promote root establishment. Once established, this maple is quite drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry periods. In Mediterranean or dry climates, occasional summer watering can be beneficial.
Soil
The Montpellier Maple adapts to most well-draining soils, whether chalky or neutral. It tolerates dry, rocky soils, characteristic of its natural Mediterranean habitat. Avoid overly compact or constantly waterlogged soils.
Pruning
This maple requires little pruning and naturally develops a balanced form. Simply remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches, ideally in late winter. Light summer pruning helps maintain its shape without weakening the tree.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is generally necessary for an established maple in properly draining soil. An application of compost on the surface in spring can enrich the soil organically. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote overly vigorous growth.
Diseases and Pests
The Montpellier Maple is relatively resistant to disease. Watch occasionally for aphids, especially in spring, and scale insects. Good soil drainage prevents root rot. Good foliage aeration promotes overall health.
Did you know?
The Montpellier Maple is the smallest and hardiest of the Mediterranean maples, and also the maple closest to coastal zones and dry regions. Its scientific name "monspessulanum" comes from Montpellier, a city in southern France where it was first studied botanically. Historically, its leaves and branches were used to feed livestock during droughts, given its remarkable drought tolerance.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.