Acer rubrum 'Autumn Flame'

Synonyms

Acer × freemanii 'Autumn Flame'

Trees

A round-headed, deciduous maple ultimately reaching 20m in height, with 3 or 5-lobed dark green leaves to 10cm long, turning a brilliant red in early autumn. Produces upright clusters of tiny red flowers in spring followed by reddish winged fruits in autumn; needs acid soil for best autumn leaf colour

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. For best autumn colour grow in neutral to acid moist but well-drained soil. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings, or by grafting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

Pruning group 1, only from late autumn to mid-winter

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and scale insects, including horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus