Acer pseudoplatanus Eskimo Sunset - Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Eskimo Sunset' is a variety of Sycamore known for its unique foliage, slow growth, and moderate development. Its palmate leaves change colour throughout the seasons, displaying various shades of pink and orange in spring, becoming variegated and splashed with cream and pink on a green background in summer. In autumn, it turns bright yellow and orange before falling. All these qualities make this deciduous small tree a beautiful addition to gardens of modest size.

Native to mountainous regions of Europe, the Acer pseudoplatanus, not to be confused with the Acer platanoides, is known as Sycamore Maple, False Plane Tree, Large Maple, or Mountain Maple, less commonly as White Maple, depending on the region. It is a large forest tree belonging to the Aceraceae family, capable of reaching 35 to 40 metres (114 feet 10 inches to 131 feet 2 inches) in height, often associated with fir and beech trees. This light and semi-shade species can live up to 500 years. Its wood is commonly used for musical instrument production.

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Eskimo Sunset' is a seedling discovered in the Esk Valley, located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It has an oval, dense, and balanced habit. This slow-growing tree reaches about 5 metres (16 feet 5 inches) in height and 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) in width at the age of 20. Its deciduous foliage is composed of large palmate leaves, divided into 5 pointed and dentate lobes, measuring 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in) in length, and borne on red petioles. The foliage colouration can vary depending on sun exposure. Flowering occurs in April-May, after the leaves appear. The small yellow flowers are highly attractive to bees and arranged in pendulous terminal clusters. The abundant fruiting takes the form of two-winged fruits called samaras and only appears on subjects aged at least 20 years. The bark of the branches is olive green to grey and peels off in large plates as it ages.

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Eskimo Sunset' will stand out when planted alone or in front of a larger grove of trees. Its moderate development is suitable for medium to large-sized gardens. Resistant to heavy frost, wind, and sea spray, it adapts to any soil that is sufficiently deep and moist without excessive limestone. Its variegated foliage is sensitive to scorching sun so it prefers a semi-shaded position in hot climates. To accompany it in the garden, consider variegated dogwoods and Japanese maples. You can plant small shrubby honeysuckles (Lonicera nitida or L. pileata) or 'Bellecour' ivy at its base to enhance its appearance.