Italian maple
Acer opalus · Sapindaceae
📷 Xemenendura · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around italian maple and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to May, yellowish-green flowers
- Mature size
- 10 m tall, rounded to spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, drought-tolerant
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Acer opalus grows in ordinary soil; prune lightly in winter if needed and avoid heavy pruning.
The common mistake
Planting it in full dry sun without establishment watering severely slows recovery and dulls autumn colors.
The pro's trick
Plant it as a specimen in a sunny location (even part shade works): autumn colors are much more vibrant in direct sun.
Care
Sunlight
Plant the Viburnum-Leaved Maple in full sun or partial shade for beautiful growth and optimal autumn coloring. It will also tolerate semi-shaded areas but will develop more vigorously with generous light.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish a strong root system. Once established, this maple is very drought-tolerant and requires little water in temperate climates. Reduce watering during winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Perform light pruning in late winter or early spring to maintain a nice shape and remove dead or poorly placed branches. Undemanding, this maple generally doesn't need regular pruning if it has adequate space.
Soil
This maple prefers well-drained, chalky or neutral soil, and tolerates dry soils very well. Avoid constantly waterlogged soils that can cause root rot.
Fertilizing
Adding organic matter (compost) at planting time is generally sufficient. The Viburnum-Leaved Maple is undemanding and doesn't require regular fertilizing under normal conditions.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, it can be affected by powdery mildew in cases of prolonged humidity. Ensure good air circulation and avoid excess water to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
The Viburnum-Leaved Maple gets its common name from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the Viburnum (Viburnum opulus). This Mediterranean maple was once used in fine cabinetmaking thanks to its hard and flamed wood, and remains a prized ornamental tree in Mediterranean gardens for its great tolerance to heat and drought.
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
- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
- Sycamore mapleAcer pseudoplatanus
- Norway mapleAcer platanoides
- Field mapleAcer campestre
- Marronnier dindeAesculus hippocastanum
- Box elderAcer negundo
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.