Autumn Blaze® Maple

2009 Nov 18

Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze® Maple

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If you want a large, fast-growing tree with spectacular fall color, Autumn Blaze® maple is an excellent choice. This dependable selection of Acer x freemanii ‘is a hybrid of red (A. rubrum) and silver (A. saccharinum) maple that combines the best features of both: it has the vigor and adaptability of the silver maple along with the beauty and strength of the red maple. It has received excellent ratings from all parts of the U.S. and is also very popular in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Autumn Blaze® is very adaptable to a wide range of climate and soil conditions. It tolerates clay soil, and will withstand wet soil conditions and drought. This tree will grow in a wide range of climates from Wisconsin to central Florida, and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Consider it for a site that isn’t right for red or sugar maple, or as a more colorful alternative in place of silver or Norway apples.

blaze-maple-red

Like its silver maple parent, Autumn Blaze® grows quickly. The growth rate of this cultivar is about four times faster than that of a red maple. Under optimal conditions it can grow 3 feet or more per year. Eventually it will grow to 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide. At maturity it will have an oval to rounded crown with ascending branches and a well-defined central leader. In the fall Autumn Blaze® consistently develops brilliant, long-lasting orange-red color. This vivid color, as well as its rapid growth rate, is the main reason to plant this tree. It also has some winter interest , with the new growth retaining a red color after leaf drop that persists until the following season. With its distinct upright oval form, Autumn Blaze® is excellent as a specimen planting, but can also be used in groups. Because of it size it is most appropriate for the larger yard, commercial landscapes and parks.