Acer rubrum 'Fairview Flame'

RED MAPLE
Family: Aceraceae
Pronounced: AY-ser ROO-brum

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Trees.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: A2, A3, 1-9, 14-17.
USDA zones: 4-9.
Mature size:
Height: 50 feet (15 m).
Width: 35 feet (10.66 m).
Leaf attributes:
Leaves are 5 lobed; triangular ovate lobes and sinuses are irregularly toothed, medium to dark green and undersides are silvery. Fall color is red to scarlett.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Tolerant of most soils, but prefers moist, slightly acidic soil.
Feeding:
Do not fertilize.
Propagation Methods:
Softwood cuttings.
Does not graft well; trees are grown on own roots.
Pruning Methods:
Prune wayward or crossing stems in late summer to early autumn.
Pests and Diseases:
Bladdergall mites and borers may cause problems.

 

Rainy Side Notes

 

For many years, I admired the trees that lined the highway in front of Savage Plants & Landscape in my hometown of Kingston. This maple lets itself be center stage in fall, with leaves in glorious red and scarlet. The bright red is a nice change for the Northwest, where buttery yellows and gold are the standard fall leaf color. I bought one for my garden because of its shade in summer and bright leaf color in autumn.

Rated highly as a specimen, lawn and street tree, Acer 'Fairview Flame' has a rounded crown as it matures but is pyramidal when younger. However, it does not do well in urban settings with pollution. The tree feels right at home in our winter wet soils, a plus with our soggy winter conditions. It needs supplemental water during the normal Northwest drought we experience every summer.

Photographed at Savage Plants & Landscape, Kingston, Washington.

A Pacific Northwest Plant of the Week (2012)