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Root Ball

Pre Order Item This is a root ball pre order item for delivery November onwards. Root ball plants are field grown and can only be lifted in the dormant season.

Acer Plat Drummondii 8-10cm Girth Root Ball

£120.00
SKU: 171643VAT included.
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£116.40 each £114.00 each £108.00 each £102.00 each

A fabulous variegated leaved feature tree, perfect for large gardens

Root ball plants need additional care.

Be sure to read our root ball planting tips below.

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Acer platanoides 'Drummondii' – A Striking Variegated Norway Maple

Acer platanoides 'Drummondii' is a beautiful variegated variety of the Norway Maple, valued for its attractive green and white foliage and vigorous growth habit. This tree offers a unique, eye-catching presence, making it perfect for large gardens, parks, and streetscapes where bold, year-round interest is desired.

Seasonal Beauty & Growth

  • Spring: Bright green leaves with distinctive white margins emerge, adding instant contrast.
  • Summer: Foliage deepens to a rich green with vibrant white edges, providing a striking visual display.
  • Autumn: Leaves turn to golden-yellow, offering a vibrant seasonal change.
  • Winter: The tree’s smooth bark and branch structure provide elegant winter interest.

Structure & Form

Acer platanoides 'Drummondii' has a rounded, spreading canopy, reaching up to 12–15m in height. This tree's dense, uniform shape makes it an excellent choice for providing both vertical height and shade in larger spaces, while its variegated leaves provide a unique texture and colour contrast throughout the year.

Perfect for Various Landscapes

  • Large Gardens & Lawns – A standout specimen tree with stunning seasonal foliage.
  • Streetscapes & Avenue Planting – Ideal for creating a striking visual impact along roads or walkways.
  • Public & Commercial Spaces – Great for parks, business developments, and plazas.
  • Formal Gardens – Adds a touch of elegance with its unique foliage and structure.

Growing Conditions & Care

  • Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to alkaline soil.
  • Hardiness: Fully hardy and adaptable to various climates.
  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance; occasional pruning to enhance form and remove deadwood.

Why Choose Acer platanoides 'Drummondii'?

With its unique variegated foliage, vigorous growth, and hardiness, Acer platanoides 'Drummondii' is a show-stopping tree that provides both beauty and shade in a variety of landscape settings. Its striking foliage makes it a great choice for adding year-round interest and texture.

Perfect Plant Combinations

  • Evergreens – Pair with Taxus baccata (English Yew) or Ilex aquifolium (Holly) for year-round contrast.
  • Flowering Shrubs – Complement with Spiraea or Rhododendron for seasonal colour.
  • Perennials – Underplant with Heuchera, Astilbe, or Ferns for texture and contrast.
  • Groundcovers – Use Vinca minor (Periwinkle) or Pachysandra terminalis for a lush base.
  • Other Deciduous Trees – Combine with Acer palmatum or Carpinus betulus for a layered, varied landscape.

Acer platanoides 'Drummondii' is the ideal choice for those seeking a distinctive, low-maintenance tree with bold seasonal colour and a unique texture, perfect for creating a memorable focal point in any landscape.

Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants

Pros:

  1. Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
  2. Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.

Cons:

  1. Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
  2. Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).

Preparation for Planting:

  1. Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
  2. Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.

Planting Process:

  1. Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
  2. Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
  3. Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
  4. Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
  5. Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.

Possibility of Losses:

  • Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
  • Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.

Main Causes of Failure:

  1. Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
  2. Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
  3. Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
  4. Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.

Tips for Success:

  1. Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
  2. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
  3. Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.

By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.

Acer Plat Drummondii 8-10cm Girth Root Ball Grasslands Nursery Winter Hardy Average Rate Of Growth Deciduous

Does the height include the pot?

No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description

How long does delivery take?

Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.

Where will you leave my plants?

We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.

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Our team of horticulturists care for our products to ensure happy, healthy plants which are ready for sale.

Specialist knowledge and support

We want our plants to live a long, healthy life so we’ll advise you about planting on purchase and share tips on our blog.

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