- Mature height
- 10m to 12m
- Mature width
- 8m to 10m
Acer rubrum 'Autumn Red' turns a uniform brilliant scarlet in autumn, holding the colour longer and more consistently than seedling-grown red maples. Because it is a selected clone, an avenue of 'Autumn Red' colours at the same time and in the same tone rather than in a patchwork.
'Autumn Red' grows to 10 to 12 metres tall and 8 to 10 metres wide at 45 to 70 centimetres per year, holding a neat oval to rounded canopy on a straight central leader. That reliable structure is why it is specified so widely for streets, avenues and civic shade planting.
'Autumn Red' is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and colours best in cool districts with cold autumn nights. It grows in full sun to part shade and prefers deep moist soil, tolerating wetter ground better than most maples.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Acer rubrum 'Autumn Red'
How big does Acer rubrum 'Autumn Red' grow?
'Autumn Red' reaches 10 to 12 metres tall and 8 to 10 metres wide, forming a neat oval to rounded canopy. It suits medium to large gardens, streets and avenues.
Why choose a named cultivar over a seedling red maple?
'Autumn Red' is a selected clone, so every tree colours at the same time and in the same tone. Seedling-grown Acer rubrum varies widely in both colour and timing.
When does 'Autumn Red' colour?
Foliage turns brilliant scarlet through autumn and holds well before dropping. Colour intensity depends on cold autumn nights, so it performs best in cool districts.
How fast does 'Autumn Red' grow?
It grows at 45 to 70 centimetres per year, which is moderate to fast for a maple and delivers useful canopy within five to seven years.
Is 'Autumn Red' frost hardy?
Yes. It survives heavy and frequent frost without damage and is well suited to cold tablelands and inland districts, where it also colours best.
Does Acer rubrum tolerate wet soil?
Yes. Red maples naturally occur on moist bottomland sites and handle heavier, wetter soils better than most other maples, though they still need reasonable drainage.
How far apart should I plant 'Autumn Red' for an avenue?
Plant 8 to 10 metres apart for an avenue where canopies will meet, or 10 metres apart where each tree should read separately.