Carnival Hedge Maple

Carnival Hedge Maple (Acer campestre 'Carnival')

Carnival Hedge Maple (Acer campestre 'Carnival') is a compact ornamental maple prized for its eye-catching variegated foliage and tidy, landscape-friendly habit. The leaves emerge and hold with a mix of green centers and creamy margins, often flushed with pink tones on new growth, giving the canopy a bright, decorative look from spring through summer. Compared to larger shade maples, it stays more contained and easier to place, making it a strong fit for courtyards, foundation plantings, and small lawn spaces. If you want a small tree that looks intentionally styled and serves as a focal point without needing a large footprint, Carnival Hedge Maple is an excellent choice.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the variegation, with crisp leaf margins that brighten the plant and add contrast even when the garden is not in bloom. New growth can show a subtle pink cast, creating a layered, three-tone effect that feels refined rather than loud. The plant forms a dense, rounded canopy that reads as neat and well-structured, with a texture that works nicely alongside evergreens and darker foliage plants. It is also known for being more tolerant of urban conditions than many ornamental trees, making it a practical way to add color and detail to everyday landscapes.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun to part shade; best color with morning sun and light afternoon shade in hotter sites.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soil types once established.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then as needed during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Habit: Deciduous small tree with a dense, rounded canopy.
• Mature Size: About 15 to 20 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a small specimen where variegated foliage can brighten the landscape and draw the eye.
• Courtyard and Small Gardens: Adds canopy and color without overwhelming limited space.
• Front Yard Accent: Place near entries and walkways for a clean, styled look that feels intentional.
• Mixed Border Anchor: Use behind shrubs and perennials to add height, texture, and season-long leaf interest.
• Urban and Streetscape Planting: A practical choice for areas with heat, reflected light, and everyday landscape stress.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first one to two seasons; once established, supplemental watering during drought supports best leaf quality.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to stabilize moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove crossing branches; remove any solid green shoots to preserve variegation.
• Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; avoid heavy feeding that can reduce variegation and push soft growth.
• Site Selection: Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hotter sites to reduce leaf scorch and keep variegation crisp.

Why Choose Carnival Hedge Maple?

• Variegated Foliage: Cream-edged leaves brighten the garden and add contrast without relying on flowers.
• Compact Size: Provides a true small-tree canopy that fits courtyards and tighter residential spaces.
• Neat, Dense Form: Develops a tidy, rounded canopy that looks intentional and well-structured.
• Versatile and Practical: Performs well in a range of conditions and suits both traditional and modern designs.
• Easy Focal Point Value: Adds season-long color and texture with straightforward care.

If you want a compact maple that brings bright foliage color and a clean, refined canopy to smaller landscapes, Carnival Hedge Maple delivers dependable ornamental value and focal point presence from spring through fall.