Acer rubrum is a beautiful round-headed deciduous maple tree and can be planted to give much pleasure as an ornamental in a large garden or field. Clusters of tiny red flowers appear on bare branches in spring followed by insignificant characteristic winged fruits.

Deeply lobed dark green leaves appear after the flowers which turn to glorious reds in autumn lighting up the garden with its brilliant colour.

This red acer’s best autumn leaf colour is achieved when it is grown on its preferred fertile, moisture-retentive, neutral to acid soil in full sun. Acer rubrum will grow on most soils, chalk, clay, sand and loam and will tolerates some lime. It prefers full sun but is quite happy in partial shade and reasonably sheltered position. Not suitable for a small garden.

Soil: Moist, well-drained chalk, sand, clay or loam

Position: Sheltered

Lighting: Sun or partial shade

Position: North, east, south or west

Garden care: A top-dressing of a multi-purpose fertiliser around the base of the plant in late spring is helpful. No pruning is required, although one should remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches in late autumn or winter when they are fully dormant.

Height and Spread at Maturity: 7 metres x 4 metres