![]() Planting Location and Uses in the Gardenīecause the bark, and the fall color, are the major features of this tree, plant it where the trunk can be seen all the way to the ground – perhaps in a lawn, beside a terrace or at the edge of a bed, with just some very low ground-cover plants underneath. We know that this is a maple because after the clusters of small yellow-green flowers that come in spring, bunches of typical maple ‘keys’ form, which turn brown by fall and hang on the tree in winter, a third attractive feature of this tree. This is a second valuable garden feature of this plant, making it a great addition to any garden. The leaves may not look like Maple, but they do turn spectacular shades of orange red and pink in fall, rivaling the other Maples Trees for fall beauty. Each leaf is divided into three parts, each one slightly separated from the others, but all on a single short stalk from the stem. In a small garden this is an ideal size for a shade tree, a background tree, or to block a neighboring window.Īlthough it is a Maple, the leaves are not at all typical of those trees. It grows steadily at up to 12 inches a year until it reaches 15 or 20 feet tall, and then grows more slowly to eventually reach no more than 30 feet tall. It grows into a small, upright tree of an oval shape with slim, upright branches. The tree itself is attractive, and very valuable in any garden. Along with the remarkable bark coloring, the effect is extremely attractive and unique in the plant world. The bark does not fall, but remains attached in thinner and thinner strips, until it naturally wears away. The bark strips curl, hang, and open out in fascinating and varied ways. Everyone who sees this tree is struck by the beauty of the bark effects, which are always changing with the seasons and never look the same on any different day. It peels away in large, papery strips, creating rich textures and great beauty. The Paperbark Maple has bark that is a handsome cinnamon-orange color. Of the relatively small number of plants with attractive bark, this tree stands out as la crème de la crème. This is where the Paperbark Maple comes into the picture. For the best gardens, we should choose plants with as many different features as possible. There are some trees where the bark is the most outstanding feature, and because special bark is not very common, this unusual feature is worth seeking out. Although we might take some interest in the bark, it is not usually top of our list – but sometimes it should be. Perhaps it is attractive foliage, fall color, flowers, or maybe suitable size or the ability to withstand drought. When choosing trees for the garden, we look for different features that make a particular tree interesting. This will show off the beautiful bark most effectively. It is best to prune away lower branches as it grows, so that it develops a clear lower trunk and lower branches. It has no pests or diseases, and needs no special care or pruning. This tree does need regular watering, even when older, as it is not particularly drought-resistant. It has a slight, but not very significant, preference for slightly acidic soils. It will grow in any kind of soil that is well-drained but not dry. Spectacular fall colors or red, orange and pinkĮither a sunny or partially-shaded spot is ideal to grow the Paperbark Maple.It can also be grown for years in a large pot, as a unique patio specimen, and it is very popular as a bonsai tree too. Eventually it may reach 30 feet, but it will never grow into a giant tree. It will grow steadily to around 10 or 20 feet tall, with an upright, attractive oval form. It grows into the perfect small tree for smaller gardens, or as an accent tree in larger ones. ![]() It has spectacular fall coloring, turning dramatic shades of red, orange and ever pink as the cooler weather arrives. Always looking different, and in striking shades of orange and cinnamon, the bark is the main, but not the only, feature of this tree. The Paperbark Maple is a little-known tree that is eagerly sought out by knowledgeable gardeners for its beautiful and unique peeling bark. ![]()
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