A fast-growing North American shade tree with a tidy oval canopy that ignites in fiery red and orange autumn tones. Tolerant of damp soils and excellent for streets and parks.
At a glance
- Plant type: Tree
- Mature size: 12 m H × 8 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Red Maple
Botanically, Acer rubrum is a fast-growing tree in the Sapindaceae family. It reaches around 12 m tall and 8 m wide at maturity, with deciduous and rich in autumn colour foliage.
Where to grow Red Maple
Red Maple suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Red Maple does best in loamy and clay soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Red Maple is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Red Maple in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Red Maple in the garden
Red Maple earns its place for a shade tree and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Red Maple with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Red Maple
Plant Sale lists Red Maple as advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.