Acer rubrum 'Somerset'

RHS Plant Profile
red maple 'Somerset'
Trees

A round-headed, large, deciduous tree, about 15m in height selected for its early and intense autumn leaf colour. Palmate, 3 to 5-lobed, dark green leaves, grey-green and covered in dense, woolly, soft down beneath, turn brilliant red in September. A male clone that produces dense, upright clusters of tiny red flowers in spring before the leaves, but does not produce fruit

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Sand, Loam

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–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
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 neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade. See tree cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only

Pests

May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale

Diseases

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