As a house tree, globe maple is well-rounded in many ways. This profile with useful information will show you why this is the case. Useful tips show the connection between ecological characteristics and care of an Acer platanoides 'Globosum'.
What characterizes the ball maple?
The ball maple (Acer platanoides 'Globosum') is a refined breeding form of the Norway maple, known for its compact spherical crown and a height of 350-600 cm. It prefers sunny to semi-shady locations, requires little pruning and shows impressive autumn color.
Profile of a representative character
A striking silhouette with a compact spherical crown and moderate height is not intended by Mother Nature in the tree population. Rather, ball maple 'Globosum' is a refinement that was created at the request of many creative hobby gardeners. The following profile summarizes all the important information:
- Name: ball maple, ball maple
- Refined cultivated form of Norway maple (Acer platanoides)
- Summer green deciduous tree with spectacular autumn colors
- Growth height: 350 to 600 cm
- Crown diameter: 110 cm (with a 20 cm trunk circumference) to 600 cm (with a 60 cm trunk circumference)
- Annual growth: 15 to 20, rarely up to 40 cm
- Root system: heart root with pronounced flat root growth
- Leaf shape: palmate, 5 to 7 lobes, up to 20 cm wide
- Flowers: yellowish-green in umbellate clusters from April to May
- Winter hardiness: somewhat sensitive to frost when young, later completely frost-resistant
- Toxicity: not toxic
- Use: shade, front garden tree, edging of avenues and driveways
The successively flattening spherical shape of the crown over the years is typical. Gardeners can counteract this process with targeted topiary pruning in autumn.
Ecology dictates cultivation – tips about care
As a cultivated form of the domestic Norway maple, fundamental properties of the pure species have been retained, while other attributes have been lost. The following key points summarize the influence that ecology has on cultivation:
- Sunny to partially shaded location in normal garden soil
- Pruning only if necessary due to the significantly slower growth compared to the pure species
- Light winter protection recommended in the year of planting
The ball maple owes its high esteem as a house tree to a combination of harmonious crown shape, moderate growth and undemanding care. Apart from regular watering in dry conditions, a single application of organic fertilizer in autumn covers the nutrient requirements.
Tip
Planting a ball maple under it tastefully is not an easy undertaking. The numerous, shallow roots leave little room for planting ground cover plants and small perennials. It's a good thing that a globosum doesn't mind if you remove annoying roots, as long as they are not more than a third of the strands close to the surface.
