Brilliant Late-Season Red Autumn Maple
Acer October Glory is a Red Maple Tree. Broadly rounded in shape, this is dark green leaved Maple with incredible red-orange Autumn foliage colour. Grows to approx. 12m
Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’
General Information
- Common Name: October Glory Red Maple
- Botanical Name: Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Origin: Cultivar of the native North American Acer rubrum
Description
- Growth Habit: Fast-growing, oval to rounded canopy with dense foliage.
- Size:
- Typically grows 12–15 m (40–50 ft) tall
- Spread is around 9–12 m (30–40 ft) wide
- Lifespan: Can live 80–100 years with proper care.
Key Features
- Foliage:
- Spring & Summer: Glossy green leaves with a slightly lighter underside.
- Autumn: Brilliant red to orange-red foliage, often holding its color longer than other Acer rubrum cultivars.
- Flowers:
- Small, reddish flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge.
- Not particularly showy but provide early-season interest and nectar for pollinators.
- Bark:
- Smooth and gray on young trees, developing ridges and furrows with age.
- Fruits:
- Small, red-tinged samaras (winged seeds) appear in late spring to early summer.
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun for best autumn color but tolerates partial shade.
- Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Prefers moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil but tolerates wet conditions better than most maples.
- Watering:
- Moderate to high water needs, especially in hot or dry conditions.
- Prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
- Humidity: Tolerant of moderate to high humidity levels.
Care and Maintenance
- Pruning:
- Minimal pruning needed; best done in late summer to avoid excessive sap bleeding.
- Remove dead or weak branches to maintain structure.
- Mulching: A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Fertilization:
- Benefits from slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they may reduce fall color intensity.
- Pests & Diseases:
- Pests: Susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars.
- Diseases: Can develop leaf spot, verticillium wilt, and tar spot, though it is generally resistant to serious diseases.
- Proper watering and airflow help prevent issues.
Landscape Uses
- Shade Tree: Provides excellent shade for landscapes, parks, and residential yards.
- Street Tree: Tolerant of urban conditions and pollution, making it a great city tree.
- Ornamental Feature: Its long-lasting, vibrant fall color makes it a standout choice for gardens and large landscapes.
- Wildlife: Attracts birds, pollinators, and small mammals that feed on its seeds and flowers.
Propagation
- Typically propagated by cuttings or grafting to preserve its superior fall color and growth characteristics.
October Glory Upright Maple – Turn your landscape fiery red every autumn
Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ is a stunning, fast-growing red maple cultivar known for its brilliant, long-lasting fall color, glossy green summer foliage, and adaptability. It thrives in a variety of soils, tolerates urban environments, and provides excellent shade. This low-maintenance tree is an excellent choice for landscapes, parks, and streets.
