Red maple
Acer rubrum · Sapindaceae
📷 Ftlombardo · CC BY 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around red maple and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Acer rubrum
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Type
- Deciduous tree
- Mature height
- Up to 25 m
- Flowering
- April to May, red flowers
- Foliage
- Deciduous, brilliant red in autumn
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -30°C
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Red maple fears prolonged summer drought: water during the first three years after establishment. Slightly acidic soil is optimal.
The common mistake
Neglecting to water young trees or planting in very clayey soil: growth stagnates and fall foliage becomes dull.
The pro's trick
Mulch 5-8 cm deep each spring for the first three years.
Care
Exposure
Plant your red maple in full sun for optimal flowering and beautiful autumn coloring. It also tolerates partial shade but develops less densely. Prefer a location sheltered from strong winds that could damage its branches.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year following planting to promote rooting. Once established, the red maple needs moderate watering, except during prolonged dry periods. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
Soil and planting
Red maple appreciates slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Amend the soil at planting with compost or potting mix. Avoid overly chalky soils which can cause nutrient deficiencies.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a nice shape. Remove dead or crossed branches in late winter. Limit intensive pruning as red maple heals slowly; prune more carefully to reduce disease risk.
Fertilizer
An annual application of compost or well-decomposed manure in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers that promote excessive growth at the expense of coloring. For container trees, apply a balanced fertilizer in spring.
Diseases and pests
Red maple can be affected by anthracnose in prolonged humid conditions. Aphids and mites occasionally appear. Ensure good air circulation and regularly clean fallen debris to prevent fungal infections.
Did you know?
Red maple is Canada's national emblem and appears on its flag. Its name 'rubrum' means 'red' in Latin, referring to its spectacular autumn coloring that turns from yellow to bright red. This tree is also a valuable indicator of autumn's arrival in North America, where forests transform into a veritable ocean of fire.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
- Sycamore mapleAcer pseudoplatanus
- Norway mapleAcer platanoides
- Field mapleAcer campestre
- Marronnier dindeAesculus hippocastanum
- Box elderAcer negundo
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.