Maples, in general, are trees that reach impressive heights, and our protagonist is no exception. But this is not bad, since it also has a wide canopy that provides a very pleasant shade. Its scientific name is acer heldreichii, although it is known more as greek maple.
Its maintenance is not complicated if the weather is good, and as it has a high ornamental value I assure you that having it in the garden is quite an experience. Learn more.
Origin and characteristics
In this deciduous tree native to northern Greece known by the botanical name Acer heldreichii, and by the common names Greek maple or Balkan maple. It can reach and even exceed 12 meters in height, and has a trunk with the smooth bark little cracked. The branches are grayish brown, and glabrous. The leaves are 8 to 15cm wide, are dark green glossy on the upper side and paler on the underside.
The flowers are yellow and appear in erect corymbs that wilt after flowering. They appear after the leaves. The fruit is a 3 to 5cm long winged samara.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a specimen of Greek maple, we recommend giving it the following care:
- Location: it must be outside, in full sun or in semi-shade. Planting at a minimum distance of 5 meters from the ground and so on because, although it is not invasive, it needs space to have an excellent development.
- Earth: it must be fertile, with good drainage, and slightly acidic (pH 5 to 6).
- Irrigation: 3 or 4 times a week in summer, and a little less the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: in spring and summer with ecological fertilizers, once a month.
- Multiplication: by seeds, which need to be cold before germinating.
- Pruning: late winter.
- Rusticity: it can live in temperate climates, with the four well-differentiated seasons and mild summers of up to 30ºC. It resists freezes of -18ºC.
What did you think of the Greek maple? Did you know him?