Red maple
Acer Rubrum
(an iconic deciduous tree with flamboyant autumn colors) Acer rubrum, or Red Maple, is a large ornamental deciduous tree, with a slender shape that broadens with age, famous for its sublime, bright red autumn color.
Description
Height at maturity
12 - 18 m
Wingspan at maturity
10 m
Exposure
Sun, partial shade
Flowering
March - April
Hardiness
-32°C
Origin
United States
Acer rubrum – Red maple
Origins and characteristics
The Red maple is native to the temperate regions of North America, where it grows in moist plains, mixed forests and along waterways. It belongs to the Sapindaceae family, like other maples. Very hardy, it is well adapted to cold climates, provided the soil is suitable.
Description and particularities
This is a large tree with a slender youthful silhouette that broadens into a rounded crown over time. Its leaves are palmately lobed (3 to 5 lobes), dark green above and paler, bluish beneath. From late August, the foliage turns scarlet red or bright purple depending on soil conditions. It provides a spectacular and long‑lasting autumn display.
- Adult height: 12 to 18 m (up to 20 m in favourable soil)
- Spread: 6 to 10 m
- Habit: Upright, becoming broad and rounded with age
- Foliage: Deciduous, dark green, brilliant red in autumn
- Growth: Medium to fast
- Hardiness: Excellent (down to –30 to –32 °C)
Flowering and fruiting
- Flowering: March to April (before leaves), small red clustered flowers
- Fruits: Winged samaras, reddish, in spring clusters
- Discreet flowering but valuable for early pollinators
Exposure and soil
- Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Acidic to neutral, fresh to moist, humus‑rich
- Ideal conditions for intense red foliage:
- Non‑calcareous soil
- Rich in organic matter
- Good moisture retention without waterlogging
- Dislikes: summer drought, excessive heat, calcareous or very dry soil
Planting
Best planted in autumn to encourage rooting, or in spring in colder climates.
- Loosen soil deeply, add compost or ericaceous soil if neutral
- Water regularly during the first 2 years
- Provide sufficient spacing (at least 6 m from buildings)
Watering
- Important during hot periods or in light soil
- Mulching recommended to retain moisture and reduce weed competition
- In fresh soil, once established, it tolerates moderate drought
Pruning
- No special pruning required
- Formative pruning possible in winter (outside frost) for young trees
- Avoid heavy pruning in adulthood (risk of poorly healed wounds)
Propagation
- By seed (natural stratification required)
- By grafting to preserve selected cultivars
- Cuttings rarely used
Garden uses
Acer rubrum is perfect for:
- Specimen planting on lawns
- Avenues or structural alignments
- Large open landscape hedges
- Autumn displays with birches, liquidambars, nyssas or cornus
Disease protection
- Not very sensitive in good soil conditions
- Avoid: compact, calcareous or very dry soil
- In very dry conditions: risk of leaf scorch or aphid attacks
Tips for brilliant autumn colour
- Acidic to slightly acidic soil + regular moisture = intense red foliage
- Do not let soil dry out in summer
- Mulch with pine bark or leaf compost
- Avoid overly nitrogen‑rich fertilisers
Acer rubrum, or Red Maple, is a majestic and iconic tree that offers a spectacular display in autumn without requiring much maintenance. It is ideal for large gardens, natural landscapes, and anyone wishing to create a striking seasonal scene while supporting biodiversity.
Features
- Common name : Red maple
- Family : Aceraceae
- Category : tree
- Spread : 10 m
- Foliage : deciduous
- Use : isolated - shrubberry - alignment
- Soil : rich and well-drained
- Earth to use : 50% universal potting soil and 50% heath earth
- Enemies : mite, caterpillar, cochineal
- Possible diseases : scab, rotting, black spots
Expédition & livraison
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As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.
Our delivery methods
Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
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