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Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides Nigrum

Purple Norway Maple

$55.00
$55.00
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
Pot Size/Grade

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum', commonly known as the Purple Norway Maple, is a striking deciduous tree grown for its large, deeply coloured foliage and impressive shade canopy. Its leaves emerge rich crimson-purple in spring and deepen to dark purple through summer, creating fantastic contrast against green and golden foliage. Autumn brings another change, with the leaves developing reddish-purple, crimson and bronze tones before falling.

This is not a small Japanese Maple tucked quietly into the corner of the garden. 'Nigrum' develops into a substantial feature and shade tree, so give it the space it deserves. Hardy and adaptable, it's particularly useful in larger gardens, lifestyle blocks, driveways and open lawns where its broad canopy and dramatic foliage can really make an impact.

Why You'll Love Acer 'Nigrum'

  • Deep crimson to dark purple foliage
  • Holds its rich foliage colour through summer
  • Attractive reddish-purple autumn tones
  • Develops into an excellent shade tree
  • Strong contrast against green-leaved trees
  • Hardy and adaptable
  • Tolerates frost and some exposure
  • Excellent feature tree for larger properties

  • Expected 5 Year Height 6.0 M Width 3.0 M

Is Acer platanoides Nigrum suitable for my garden?

Acer platanoides Nigrum is best suited in a position that gets

  • Partial shade
  • Full sun

Acer platanoides Nigrum is

  • Cold hardy
  • Deciduous
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Wind Tolerant

Acer platanoides Nigrum will thrive in soil that is

  • Clay
  • Chalky
  • Sandy

How to establish your Acer platanoides Nigrum?

Plant Acer 'Nigrum' in full sun to part shade.

For the richest foliage colour, a sunny position is preferable.

When choosing your planting location:

Allow plenty of room for the mature canopy.
Keep well clear of buildings and overhead services.
Consider where the tree will cast shade as it matures.
Give the root system room to develop without competing with hard landscaping.

This is a tree to plan for rather than squeeze into whatever gap happens to be available.

How to maintain your Acer platanoides Nigrum once established?

Water deeply and regularly during the first couple of growing seasons.

A thorough soak less frequently is generally better than constantly giving the soil a light sprinkle, as deeper watering encourages the roots to establish further into the surrounding ground.

Once established, 'Nigrum' has good tolerance to periods of dry weather, although occasional deep watering during prolonged Canterbury summer dry spells will keep the tree performing at its best.

Apply an organic mulch around the root zone after planting.

Mulching helps:

Retain soil moisture
Reduce competition from weeds and grass
Moderate soil temperatures
Gradually improve soil structure

Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.

Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring if required, particularly while the tree is young and establishing.

Adding compost or other well-rotted organic matter around the root zone can also help maintain healthy soil.

Once established in good ground, this is not a tree that needs constant fussing and feeding.

Acer 'Nigrum' requires very little routine pruning.

While young, concentrate on establishing a strong, well-balanced framework.

Prune to:

Remove damaged or dead branches.
Remove crossing or rubbing branches.
Correct poorly positioned growth while branches are still young.
Maintain a clear trunk if required.

Once the tree has developed its framework, allow its natural rounded canopy to do its thing.

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is extremely cold hardy, making it a very good choice for cooler New Zealand gardens. NZ-grown tree references also note its tolerance of heavy frost and exposed conditions.

As a deciduous tree, it drops its foliage in autumn and remains dormant through winter before bursting back into growth in spring.
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