Boxelder Maple Tree

Boxelder Maple 'Flamingo' (Acer negundo 'Flamingo') is the small deciduous tree to plant when a courtyard needs a canopy and a bit of colour. It settles at about 6m tall and 4m wide, well short of the plain green species, and the new growth opens pink edged before fading to cream and green variegation through summer. It is fast, frost hardy and one of the few ornamental trees that tolerates a damp corner.

Why you'll love it

• Pink new growth every flush. Fresh leaves emerge edged in pink, then settle to cream and green, so the tree shifts appearance through the season.
• A real tree for a small block. At 6m by 4m it gives genuine shade without the reach of a full sized maple.
• It handles wet feet. Damp ground that kills most ornamental trees is tolerated here, which makes it useful in low lying corners.
• Fast and hardy. Frost hardy, wind tolerant and drought tolerant once established, and quick enough to give shade within a few seasons.

Where it works best

Feature planting. The pale variegation lifts a dark corner or a green hedge backdrop, and it reads well against brick or rendered walls.

Small garden shade tree. A single tree shades a courtyard or seating area in summer and drops its leaves to let winter sun through. Allow 3m from a wall or boundary.

Damp and exposed sites. It suits a low spot that stays wet after rain, and it stands up to wind better than most maples.

Growing Boxelder Maple in Australia

Position and climate. This is a cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean tree. Full sun gives the strongest pink, but hot inland and Mediterranean gardens want afternoon shade, since pale variegated leaves scorch at the margins in dry heat. It is not suited to the tropics or subtropics.

Soil. Undemanding. It copes with clay and with ground that stays damp, though it still prefers reasonable drainage. Mulch 75mm deep and keep the mulch off the trunk.

Water and feed. Water deeply twice a week for the first summer, then weekly in dry spells. It becomes drought tolerant after two seasons, and one dose of complete slow release fertiliser in early spring is enough.

Pruning. Prune in winter while it is dormant. Cutting back hard encourages the vigorous shoots that carry the best pink colour. Watch for plain green branches, which are reversions, and remove them at the trunk as soon as you see them or they will take over.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in 300mm and 400mm pots and in 45L. The 300mm tree is young and slender, and it establishes quickly. The 400mm and 45L trees arrive with more height and a formed head, the choice if you want the shape to read straight away.

Arriving between late autumn and early spring it will be bare, which is dormancy rather than damage. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Understanding variegated foliage and reversion
• Browse the deciduous tree range
• Compare small trees for urban gardens
• See other variegated plants

Common questions

How big does it really get?

About 6m tall and 4m wide in a garden setting. The 10m figure often quoted belongs to the plain green species, not this variegated selection.

Why has part of my tree turned plain green?

That is reversion, and it is common in variegated maples. Cut those branches back to the trunk promptly, since green growth is more vigorous and will eventually dominate the tree.

Will the leaves burn in summer?

The pale margins can scorch in hot dry wind or harsh afternoon sun. Afternoon shade in inland and Mediterranean gardens, plus mulch and steady watering, largely prevents it.

Can I plant it in a wet part of the garden?

Yes, within reason. It is wet feet tolerant and will handle a spot that stays damp after rain, though it should not sit in standing water for weeks.