Acer Brilliantissimum
Shrimp-Leaved Sycamore Tree
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Acer 'Brilliantissimum' is a striking sycamore tree that is ideal for smaller gardens. Pink young foliage that matures to yellow, then green. Attractive rounded habit: a great specimen tree.
The Acer 'Brilliantissimum' is a truly eye-catching tree that offers a beautiful array of foliage colour. The leaves open shrimp pink in spring and gradually mature to a bronzed yellow over spring. Spring also sees the arrival of small yellow-green flowers, which work well against the colourful foliage.
In summer, the leaves put on their penultimate colour show as they mature to a darker green, with yellow marbling. Late summer sees the arrival of pretty clusters of red, winged fruits.
One of the biggest benefits of planting this tree is its ability to add a real splash of colour in early spring and then changing interest over summer. It grows to have a beautifully rounded crown that is densely packed with the vivid leaves. The symmetrical shape of this tree makes it a great specimen and its slow growth rate and compact eventual size make it perfect for smaller spaces. This tree will do well in a range of soil types, but you should avoid planting it in exposed sites in order to protect the foliage from strong winds.
This versatile tree looks particularly eye-catching when planting alongside the equally colourful Acer 'Carnival': the variegated leaves of the carnival work well with the changing colours of the 'Brilliantissimum'. For a contrasting genus, try the Catalpa ‘Aurea’: the large and beautifully bright leaves of the Catalpa sit perfectly against the ‘Brilliantissimum’.
Common Name: Shrimp-Leaved Sycamore
Latin Name: Acer pseudoplatanus 'Brilliantissimum'
Soil: Any good, moist, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Flowering period/colour: Spring/ Yellow-green
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height and spread in 20 years: 3m/3m
Special features: Striking shrimp-pink new leaves.