The Dazzling Fall Foliage of the Variegated Norway Maple

The variegated Norway maple (Acer platanoides ‘Variegatum’) is a beautiful deciduous tree admired for its unique bi-colored leaves. While stunning in spring and summer, this maple variety truly shines in fall when its leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow and gold.

The variegated Norway maple is a cultivar of the popular Norway maple tree (Acer platanoides). It features the same hardy, adaptable nature but with more visual interest thanks to its colorful foliage. The leaves emerge in spring with splashes of creamy white variegation on a green background. This bi-color effect adds flair to the tree and makes it stand out in landscapes.

This maple grows at a medium rate into a dense, oval-rounded shape about 40 feet tall and 35 feet wide It has a high canopy and doesn’t tolerate heavy pruning well The variegated maple thrives in full sun exposure and adapts to various soil types and moisture levels. It also shows good tolerance to pollution and urban settings.

Overall this ornamental tree makes a stellar addition to large yards, parks and other open community spaces. It works well as a specimen showcase tree or planted in groupings. The variegated maple also shines as a shade tree thanks to its dense canopy.

The Shift to Vibrant Fall Color

One of the biggest claims to fame for the variegated Norway maple is its reliably stunning fall color. While the white-splashed green leaves offer year-round interest, the tree truly comes alive in autumn.

When fall approaches, the green background of the leaves transitions to vibrant yellow and gold tones. The creamy white sections also become golden, resulting in a harmony of warm hues. The tree appears to glow from within when backlit by the sun’s rays.

The intensity and vibrancy of the fall color can vary slightly from year to year depending on weather conditions. But you can count on a brilliant display ranging from golden yellow to amber. Cool night temperatures typically enhance the intensity of the leaf color.

Timing the Transition of Fall Foliage

In general, variegated Norway maple trees transition to fall color in mid to late October in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7. The progression of leaf color starts with a pale yellowing of the green leaf sections. Over the next couple of weeks, the yellow becomes richer and deeper. The leaves will also start dropping from the tree during this transitional period.

Peak fall color is usually achieved in early to mid-November before the leaves drop. But the duration of the fall foliage display can shift in either direction by 1-2 weeks depending on the weather and your specific location.

Northern gardeners can expect the fall color spectacle to arrive on the earlier side. Southern gardeners are more likely to hit peak color closer to mid-November. Tracking the fall progression of other trees in your area can provide clues for when to expect the variegated maple’s maximum autumn show.

Extending the Fall Foliage Display

Unfortunately, the brilliant fall color of the variegated Norway maple only lasts for a couple of weeks. If you want to extend the display, here are a few tips:

• Plant your tree in a sheltered location away from strong winds. The leaves will resist blowing off the branches longer.

• Ensure the tree gets sufficient water leading up to winter dormancy. Avoid drought stress.

• Consider supplementing with a high potassium fertilizer in early fall. Potassium encourages fuller color development.

• Plant several in a grove to prolong the color as some transition sooner than others.

• Time your landscaping care and pruning to avoid disrupting the tree in fall.

Companion Plants to Complement Fall Color

The gold and yellow fall foliage of the variegated Norway maple pairs beautifully with other plants in autumn. Consider combining it with:

• Red maples for contrasting red-orange-burgundy tones
• Burning bushes (Euonymus alatus) for red-purple leaves
• Oak trees for russet-orange shades
• Black gum trees (Nyssa sylvatica) for intense red color
• Yellow-twig dogwoods (Cornus sericea) for matching yellow stems

With the right plant combinations, you can create a spectacular fall display in your landscape. Be sure to take lots of photos to remember the variegated maple’s magnificent autumn finale!

In Summary

If you’re searching for a shade tree that delivers more than just green foliage, consider the variegated Norway maple. The striking yellow and gold tones that emerge on its leaves each fall offer seasonal excitement. As an added bonus, the variegated foliage provides year-round interest as well. Give this underutilized maple a try and enjoy the dazzling fall foliage it rewards you with.