tree RHS Award

Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus 'Regal Petticoat'

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Europe and Western Asia

Toxicity

Seeds are toxic to horses

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer pseudoplatanus, the Sycamore Maple, is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree known for its tolerance of wind, urban pollution, and salt spray. 'Regal Petticoat' is a striking cultivar featuring leaves with dark green tops and rich purple undersides. This creates a beautiful two-tone effect, especially when the wind rustles the foliage.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The bicolored foliage of 'Regal Petticoat' is its standout feature, providing a dynamic visual display as the leaves flutter in the breeze, revealing their purple undersides. It is a handsome and robust shade tree that brings a unique color contrast to the landscape.

Its high tolerance for urban pollution, soil compaction, drought, and salt spray makes it an incredibly tough and useful tree for challenging environments like city parks, streetside plantings, and coastal properties where other trees might fail.

The inconspicuous spring flowers provide an early-season nectar and pollen source for bees. The dense canopy offers shelter and nesting sites for birds. However, its tendency to self-seed readily can be a drawback, as it can outcompete native vegetation in some regions.

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in full sun for best foliage color.
This tree is very tolerant of a wide range of soils.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above grade.
Backfill with the excavated soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch to conserve moisture but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Give this fast-growing tree plenty of space to reach its mature size; do not plant it too close to buildings or power lines.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few years to establish.
Prune to develop a strong structure when the tree is young.
Allow ample room for root and canopy development.
Take advantage of its tolerance for difficult sites like coastal areas.

Don't

Don't plant where its aggressive, shallow roots can damage pavement.
Avoid excessive pruning, which can cause heavy sap bleeding in spring.
Do not plant in areas where it is known to be invasive.
Don't plant where horses graze, as the seeds are toxic to them.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic specimen tree with unique foliageExcellent shade tree for coastal or urban areasWindbreak or screening in tough, exposed sites

Companion Plants

Viburnum dentatum Physocarpus opulifolius 'Diabolo' Spiraea japonica Pennisetum alopecuroides Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple questions

What zones can Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple grow in?

Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple bloom?

Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple need full sun?

Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Regal Petticoat Sycamore Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.