Acer rubrum 'SUMMER RED'^®

Scarlet maple is one of the most spectacular, deciduous, big-sized trees suitable for large gardens, parks or city avenues. However, modern varieties and selections are smaller in size so you can grow them in mid-sized gardens or even small front yards if you control their size by pruning.

Summer Red^® is a fantastic variety of scarlet maple. Its leaves three-lobed, deciduous leaves are borne on long and red stalks, and are rich red when they emerge, changing to medium green in summer. In autumn the colour range is really stunning – yellow, orange, scarlet red and wine red. All at the same time. The stalks are pink-red. It forms a compact, bushy, oval-shaped crown. If you wish to prune or shape it do so in late autumn after the leaves have fallen, or in frost-free periods of winter.

Scarlet maple will grow in almost any soil, it also withstands wet feet. However, if you are looking for a strong and healthy tree with superb autumn colours grow it in acid soil (add peat) that is evenly moist throughout the year (mulch it well with bark), in full sun. It is wind and air-pollution tolerant. Stake young and freshly transplanted trees to a support for the first 3 years to make sure they get well established and have straight trunks. Fully hardy to -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 02-01-2014