General: The montpellier maple or french maple occurs in the Mediterranean area and in Asia Minor. Some stocks are also found in the German wine-growing regions. It grows slowly here as a small tree or shrub up to 13 meters high. The leaves are small, three-lobed and dark green. In autumn the maple has a very beautiful yellow autumn color.
Care as a bonsai: The montpellier maple is particularly suitable for bonsai cultivation due to its small and beautiful foliage. In addition, a broad set of roots develops in a very natural way even in young plants. However, like the field maple, it tends to be spiky. Therefore, the new shoot should be selected, cut and wired if necessary in good time. The species is also quite robust and is rarely attacked by diseases. The montpellier maple is heat-tolerant and, as a light and heat-loving species, likes to stand in the sun.
