Trees and shrubs with handsome foliage are invaluable as part of the garden’s framework, and acers – also known as maples – are up there with the best. Their attractive lobed leaves can be coloured or variegated, looking handsome from spring to autumn, or develop wonderfully vibrant autumn colours to round off the season with a fiery finale. A handful of maples have coloured or patterned bark, too, and these just keep on giving right through the year.
Originating from many Northern Hemisphere countries, acers are hardy and deciduous, and comprise a huge and diverse group of around 100 species that range in size from forest giants right down to amenable shrub-sized bushes.
Familiar acer trees that are native to, or naturalised in, the UK, are the sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus,…
