Sycamore Maple Tree with Lemon Balm in Clay Planter 6 ft / 30 Litre

Description

I’ve got this big sycamore maple tree — it’s a sturdy, fast-growing deciduous thing with dark green, five-lobed leaves that can get up to 20cm long. It flowers in spring with yellow-green catkins, and then produces those little green, winged fruits that attract bees and other pollinators. It’s been growing in my garden in Bedlington, Northumberland for a few years now, and it’s really come into its own.

The planter’s a 30-litre clay pot, about 34cm tall and 40cm wide — so the whole thing stands about 180cm tall including the pot. It’s a solid, well-drained pot, and the tree thrives in full sun or partial shade, whether it’s facing north, south, east, or west. I’ve grown it in chalky, loamy soil with good moisture but not waterlogged — it likes a bit of variety in soil type, and does fine in both acidic and alkaline conditions.

It’s hardy to H7, which means it can handle really cold winters — I’ve seen it survive down to -20°C here in the north. The tree can grow over 12 metres tall and spread wider than 8 metres over time, but it takes more than 50 years to reach full size.

It’s a member of the Sapindaceae family, native to parts of the UK and Ireland. The leaves are palmately lobed, and it’s one of those trees that adds real character to a garden — especially in autumn when the colours start to show.

I’ve had it for a while now and it’s been a real joy to grow. I’m parting with it because I’m moving to a smaller place, and I thought this would be a great home for someone who’s into natural, low-maintenance plants. It comes with the clay pot, and I’ve been keeping it well cared for — just needs a bit of sun and a good soil mix.

It’s not a fancy pot or anything, just a solid, practical planter. Price is £36 if you're interested — I’m happy to chat about it if you’d like to know more.

(Update: now based in Bedlington, Northumberland — not Southwark anymore.)