Plant of the month October: Acer rubrum (red maple)

The Acer rubrum (red maple) is a versatile and easy-care large tree that is ideal for designing parks, public green spaces and representative gardens. With its extraordinary autumn color, which ranges from yellow to orange to bright red, the red maple sets impressive color accents and brings structure to large open spaces. Thanks to its high adaptability to different site conditions and its resistance to drought and heat, Acer rubrum is an ideal tree for urban greening projects.

Growth and appearance

Acer rubrum grows 10 to 15 meters high and 6 to 10 meters wide with an annual growth of 30 to 40 cm. In the wild it can grow up to 30 meters high. The tree has a loose crown that varies from conical to rounded depending on age. The characteristic bark is smooth and red on young trees, but becomes gray and cracked with age.

• Growth height: 10 - 15 meters
• Growth width: 6 - 10 meters
• Growth rate: 30 - 40 cm/year
• Habitus: Conical crown, well-branched structure

Leaves and autumn colors

The deciduous leaves of Acer rubrum are around 6 to 10 cm large, have three to five lobes and are dark green in color, which turns into a spectacular play of colors in autumn. The leaf color ranges from bright yellow to strong orange to fiery red. This striking color intensity makes the red maple a popular choice for projects that rely on seasonal highlights and a strong visual impact.

• Leaf size: 6 - 10 cm
• Leaf color: Dark green in summer, autumn color from yellow to orange to red

Flower and fruit

The red maple blooms early in the year, before the leaves emerge, and sets red accents in the still wintry landscape in March to April. The spherical inflorescences are small, but are easily visible due to their bright red color. This flowering period offers an attractive play of colors in larger green areas where there are otherwise only a few flowering trees. The typical maple fruits then develop, which in addition to the aesthetic component also have an ecological benefit as a food source for animals.

• Flowering time: March - April
• Flower color: Dark red
• Fruits: Wing fruits

Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset'

Location, care, use and special features

Acer rubrum is easy to care for and places little demands on the soil. The tree thrives on moist, acidic soils as well as on light, nutrient-rich substrates and tolerates short periods of drought well. However, locations that are too dry limit the intensity of autumn color. A sunny location is optimal as it promotes the best foliage color. The high frost hardiness and drought resistance make Acer rubrum an excellent tree for projects that rely on future-proof and easy-care greening solutions. The red maple is ideal for large gardens, parks and public green spaces. Thanks to its impressive autumn color, Acer rubrum is particularly suitable as an eye-catcher in a solitary position or as part of rows of trees along avenues.

• Location: Sunny
• Soil: Lime-free, nutrient-rich, moist
• Care: Tolerable to cutting, high water requirements in persistent dry conditions
• Use: Solitary tree, parks, rows of trees, urban greenery
• Special properties: Impressive autumn colors, drought-tolerant, hardy

A reliable tree for sustainable green spaces

The Acer rubrum (red maple) not only impresses with its bright autumn colors, but also with its robustness and adaptability. For those who value easy-care and long-lasting plants, this tree offers both aesthetic and practical benefits. As a solitary tree, in group plantings or as an avenue tree, the red maple sets strong accents in every season and proves to be a future-proof, versatile companion for demanding greening projects.

Acer rubrum 'October Glory'