Kelly’s Gold Maple, also known as Acer platanoides ‘Kelly’s Gold,’ is a cultivar of the Norway Maple. Kelly’s Gold Maple is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) and has a similar spread. It has a rounded to oval crown and dense foliage. The leaves are palmately lobed with five lobes, like other Norway Maple varieties. What distinguishes Kelly’s Gold Maple from the rest, is the vivid golden-yellow colour of its leaves. The foliage maintains its vibrant hue throughout the growing season, providing a stunning visual display.
This variety is known for its adaptability to various environmental conditions. Considered as a fully hardy tree, Kelly’s Gold Maple will withstand temperature drops of up to -10 degree Celsius. This cultivar prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can tolerate a range of light conditions. It is adaptable to different soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided the soil is well-drained. Kelly’s Gold Maple is also known for its tolerance to urban pollution, making it suitable for planting in urban and suburban areas. It is important to note, Kelly’s Gold Maple has better success rates in sheltered positions.
Its attractive golden-yellow foliage makes Kelly’s Gold Maple a sought-after ornamental tree. It adds a pop of colour and visual interest to landscapes, gardens, and parks. The bright foliage makes it an ideal choice for creating focal points or providing contrast among other green-leaved trees. Kelly’s Gold Maple can be used as a standalone specimen, in group plantings, or as a background tree in mixed borders. Its medium size makes it suitable for both residential and larger-scale landscapes.
This maple cultivar requires regular watering, particularly during dry periods, to ensure adequate soil moisture. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Minimal pruning is recommended mainly done to remove dead or damaged branches or to maintain a desired shape. We recommend pruning your trees during the dormant season to minimize stress and maximise re-growth.