The Globe Maple isn’t just a fan favorite because it’s low-maintenance. With its stunning color transitions and breathtaking fall foliage, this tree is a true showstopper in any landscape. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the foliage of this globe-shaped beauty so special throughout the seasons.
A Charming Spring Bloom
Before the Globe Maple even starts pushing out new leaves, it treats you to a display of decorative flowers. From April to May, the entire canopy fills with subtle, yellowish clusters of blooms. Not only does this give the tree a fairytale look, but it also turns your garden into a hotspot for local pollinators. You’ll often spot these visitors stopping by for a snack:
- Butterflies
- Honeybees
- Bumblebees
The Transition to Summer Green
The tree’s signature five-lobed leaves actually start sprouting while it’s still in bloom. This creates a beautiful contrast, as the fresh reddish-brown tips of the new growth mingle with the yellow flowers. As the season progresses, the foliage settles into a lush, deep summer green. During the height of summer, the tree takes on a more understated, classic look—almost like it’s saving up its energy for the big finale in autumn.
A Spectacular Autumn Finale
The fall transformation of the Globe Maple is where it truly shines, and the best part is that it happens in stages. It usually starts at the very top of the canopy, where the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red while the rest of the tree stays a rich green. As those top leaves shift toward golden yellow, the next layer down begins its own fiery transition.
At the peak of the season, you’ll get a stunning “multicolor” effect with green, yellow, and red leaves all sharing the same canopy. If your tree is in a sunny spot and experiences those crisp fall nights followed by warm days, the colors will be even more intense. Just keep in mind that once the first hard frost hits, the tree will drop its leaves for the winter.
To keep your garden looking great even after the leaves fall, I highly recommend underplanting your Globe Maple with evergreen groundcovers. Plants like Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor), Barrenwort (Epimedium), or Waldsteinia (Barren Strawberry) make the perfect finishing touch for this ornamental gem.
