Variegated Sycamore ‘Leopoldii’ 80/100cm (5L)

Variegated Sycamore ‘Leopoldii’ – Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Leopoldii’ is a remarkable deciduous tree celebrated for its striking foliage that brings year-round interest to gardens. This cultivar stands out with its bold variegated leaves that emerge pink-tinged in spring, maturing to green splashed with yellow and cream markings. The unique colouration creates a dappled, almost leopard-spotted effect that gives this tree its distinctive character and common name.

The leaves of ‘Leopoldii’ are particularly eye-catching, with each five-lobed leaf displaying irregular variegation patterns that ensure no two leaves are identical. Young foliage often shows pink and salmon tones before settling into its mature palette of green with yellow-cream splashes. This variegated sycamore makes an excellent specimen tree for medium to large gardens, where it can be positioned to catch the light and showcase its decorative foliage. The tree develops a rounded crown with age, creating a substantial presence that works well as a focal point or within mixed planting schemes.

This variety offers more than just attractive leaves. In spring, small yellow-green flowers appear in pendulous clusters, followed by the characteristic winged seeds that children love to watch helicopter to the ground in autumn. The bark becomes increasingly textured with age, developing attractive flaking patterns that add winter interest once the leaves have fallen.

Variegated Sycamore ‘Leopoldii’ proves remarkably adaptable to various soil types and conditions. It tolerates urban pollution, coastal exposure, and exposed positions better than many ornamental trees, making it a practical choice for challenging sites. The tree maintains good vigour despite its variegation, growing steadily to create a substantial specimen over time. It copes well with our changeable weather patterns and requires minimal intervention once established.

Care Guide

Plant in any well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Variegated sycamores show their best leaf colour when positioned in good light, though they tolerate some shade. Water newly planted trees regularly during their first growing season to establish a strong root system, particularly during dry spells in spring and summer.

Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A generous mulch of organic matter around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it clear of the trunk to prevent rot. Young trees benefit from staking for the first two years to ensure straight growth and stability during windy weather.

Pruning requirements are minimal. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter or early spring whilst the tree is dormant. Watch for any shoots with plain green leaves and remove these promptly, as variegated trees can occasionally revert to the species form. These green shoots grow more vigorously and will dominate if left unchecked.

The tree shows good resistance to most pests and diseases, though watch for tar spot in damp summers – this causes black spots on leaves but rarely affects overall health. Aphids may appear on young growth in spring but natural predators usually keep populations in check. Established trees are remarkably tough and self-sufficient, requiring little ongoing maintenance.

Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres

Time to ultimate height
20–50 years

Ultimate spread
8–12 metres

Please note: Decorative pots shown are for display purposes only. Your tree will be supplied in a standard plastic nursery pot shown in the other pictures.