Acer rubrum 'October Glory' Tree

Tree Information

Specialities

Tolerances

Wet Soil: High

Dry Soil: Medium

Lime: Low

As the name suggests, Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ provides an outstanding autumn display that very few species can rival. In spring, it produces a small number of solely female red flowers. Its leaves then burst open a dark emerald green, with a blue lagoon underside. The exceptional autumn leaf colour turns later than other maples but produces the most fantastic display of candy apple reds, saffron and golden yellows. As the name suggests, this tree is at its best in October, with the outstanding autumn display continuing through till the end of November.

This cultivar originated from the many valuable propagations from brothers William and John Flemer of Princeton Nursery during the 1960s.

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Size

Large

10m high x 6m wide after 25 years

Environment

This is a great tree for avenues, estate entrances or the background line in a park. It should not be used near equestrian locations as the leaves are harmful to horses.

Canopy

Oval to round dense crown.

Foliage

Beautiful dark green leaves with an aqua green-blue underside. The last of the maples to develop and hold its autumn colour, remaining on the tree until after October and even through till the end of November.

Flowers

Red flowers will appear in umbels in early spring.

Resilience

A hardy tree that is best in slightly acidic soils, as it does not truly develop its autumn colour on dry or lime soils. Will tolerate periods of excessive water but has poor resilience to coastal winds and chalk.

Wildlife

Flowers are great for bees and other pollinators.