Even better? 'October Glory' is one of two very popular selections of our native red maple chosen for outstanding fall color. October Glory Red Maple has dark, lustrous green foliage which turns to a brilliant scarlet red in the fall. This is one of the last of the Red Maples to turn colors, making it an excellent choice to pair with earlier-turning varieties. They can tolerate part shade, but the fall color will always be best when grown in more sun. Longevity is not their strong suit. Its fall color is poor. This cultivar of red maple has an oval to rounded shape and is a fast grower with strong wood, reaching a height of 40 to 50 feet. 'Autumn Flame' is another selection and two new introductions, 'Brandywine' and 'Sun Valley', have been released by the National Arboretum with excellent fall color. I have two of them, neither have produced any seed the past 2-3 years. I have talked with many nurserymen and landscapers who are pleased with this tree and its performance so there is a chance that 'Autumn Blaze' took the best traits of Silver Maple (fast growth) and made a superior tree. You should, because like many skyrocketing trees, silver maple is beset with a host of problems. This red maple cultivar was introduced in 1961 by Princeton … Compost. Troubles with low oxygen levels and higher PH of urban soils. Hardy to USDA Zone 4b, reportedly better adapted to areas with mild winters and … Silver Maples were planted all over Huntsville in the 1950s and 60s as new subdivision were popping up every week. For the next few weeks, I'll be profiling some truly superior shade trees for the average yard. The other is 'Red Sunset.' They enjoy a rich, slightly acidic soil that is evenly moist and well-drained, but once established this plant becomes tolerant of drier soils too. So what's the difference between them? Box 1487, West Station, Huntsville 35807. Go for the Autumn Blaze - they are hybrids and therefore produce little to no seed pods, so they don't make a mess. © 2020 Advance Local Media LLC. Southern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Question by dbeville5 February 7, 2003. Maples have an opposite branching pattern and this often results in two stem growing side by side. Red maples, or Acer rubrum, can reach as high as 120 feet tall in the wild but usually grow 40 to 60 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide in landscaping. I would like to plant a red maple tree but I want to be sure that it has brilliant red fall color. My neighbors have plenty to share! It's weak-wooded and breaks up in storms. Plus, even though the above-ground part of the tree is dormant, the roots can keep growing all winter in the South. October Glory® Red Maple. Silver Maples were known for their fast growth and as cotton fields became housing lots, shade trees were at a premium. Nov 4, 2013 - With names like these, you know that both “October Glory” and “Autumn Blaze” trees have beautiful fall color. What do you think? And all of them will germinate somewhere. 1). Zones: 4-8; Sun to Part Sun; Height: 40-70’ Spread: 25-35’ Shape: The leaves are retained later than most cultivars. - Knowledgebase Question. Mature ‘October Glory’ Red Maple. Bright orange to deep reddish-purple foliage color is reliable even in warmer climates not ideally suited for good color. Flowers give way to red-tinged samaras (to 1 1/2 long). The glossy green leaves persist on the tree turning orange-red to brilliant red in the fall. Fall is the best time for appreciating the beauty of shade trees. ‘Tis the season to ditch your all-white palette in favor of something a little bolder and brighter. Take advantage of nature's gifts (falling leaves) and put them to good use. The Brightest Red Fall Foliage Available Why October Glory Red Maple Trees? 0096. It's also incredible weedy. You're welcome. Although its name says "October," it turns color later than that in Birmingham -- usually the first week of November. All rights reserved (About Us). Less damage in wind storms. One reason. October Glory® - broadly oval to round, 40 × 35 ft (12 × 11 m), female, leaves medium glossy green with long red stems (petioles), fall color deep red to reddish-purple, one of the last to color in fall. Today as you drive through these older subdivisions you will see that these trees are splitting apart and falling down with each major storm that comes through the area. ‘Red Sunset’ and ‘October Glory’ have proven to be the best cultivars of Red Maple for the south (Fig. An improved cultivar over all other Red Maple Trees, the October Glory boasts superior red color that's truly dazzling. This is fine when the tree is young but as it grows these stems get larger and start spreading apart causing the tree to split. If you live on the West Coast, do whatever the heck you want. Glossy dark green leaves with red ste… Don't plant it where its roots will be restricted (like those little islands in parking lots) or near hot pavement. 1). October Glory red maple care is similar to care for any maple. ‘Brandywine’ red maple is a cross between ‘October Glory’ and ‘Autumn Flame’ acer rubrums. When choosing plants for fall color, red always tops the list as the most desirable choice for it truly stands out and dominates when compared to all other colors. Yukon, OK. Thank you. Both feature handsome, silvery bark. Is that a good choice and does it grow well around here? Acer rubrum 'PNI 0268' SKU. Can you believe the sizzling, electric scarlet of the leaves? How can you tell which is which? In 1997, the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association named 'Autumn Blaze' the Tree of the Year. October Glory is a female cultivar that, as the cultivar name suggests, is perhaps best noted for its exceptional fall color. Acer rubrum ‘Jamestown’ Jamestown Maple. Be the first to review this product. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Beautiful "Sun Valley" Maple. Acer rubrum‘October Glory’ Figure 1. How to Grow October Glory. - Jennifer D. After experiencing the incredible tapestry of colors displayed this fall in North Alabama I can see why you would want to plant a tree to add to that exquisite painting. I usually use October Glory. I shot the tree above this morning. These two trees have been the poster children for red maple cultivars and still exhibit outstanding characteristics each year. 'October Glory' is one of two very popular selections of our native red maple chosen for outstanding fall color. It grows faster than Norway and sugar maples, but slower than silver maple. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers moist, slightly acid conditions. 'October Glory' red maple is hot, hot, hot! However, the downside of fast growth is usually a short-lived tree, one with a weak structure. 'Franksred' (Red Sunset®) - Pyramidal to rounded form. The tree you have specifically asked about, the 'Autumn Blaze' maple (Acer x fremanii 'Autumn Blaze') is an interesting selection that is actually a hybrid between two species of maple - the red maple (A. rubrum) and the silver maple (A. saccharinum) - and definitely is a showstopper when the leaves change from a deep green to the brilliant red to orange-red each year. Patented in 1982, this tree was listed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a seedling of red maple with special features. Unless irrigated or on a wet site, it is best used north of USDA hardiness zone 9. Native to Wisconsin. While it is less cold hardy than most cultivars, it seems to be better adapted to areas with mild winters and hot summer temperatures. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The first consideration is to find the best spot for growing an October Glory tree. Noteworthy Characteristics. When planting new trees and shrubs, take extra time to prepare a great planting site; think of creating a root zone and not just digging a hole. Harvey Cotten is the chief horticulturist and vice president at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Notable Features: Vibrant red/orange Fall color, tolerates sand/clay, tolerates urban areas, does best in full sun/partial shade. Sun Valley Maples at our growing fields. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2023551/october-glory-vs-red-sunset This results in faster growth the following spring. They make excellent lawn and street trees, due to their ascending branches and lack of problematic surface roots. Autumn Blaze is a trademark name assigned to red maple tree cultivar Jeffersred. Acer rubrum “October Glory” Height: 50 feet Spread: 40 feet. I would place it 10 feet away from the outermost section of your new porch and also 10 feet away from the driveway. Soil PH above 6.5 will cause the leaves to become lighter in color. #2 Red sunset Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’ RED SUNSET) This falls in the same category as the Autumn Blaze maple, except it is not a hybrid. Also these two selections have only male flowers so you do not have to worry about cleaning up all of the winged seeds (we called them helicopters as a kid) which is one less gardening chore to undertake. The other is 'Red Sunset.' These trees prefer part shade but will grow in full sun. Ask me, the Grumpy Gardener. Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission. It is over planted because of it’s great fall color (even better then the Autumn Blaze). "Brandywine" Maple "Sun Valley" Maple "Red Sunset" Maple "October Glory" Maple . View Map. Fall color is a brilliant red-purple, beginning red and turning brilliant red-purple. 'Red Sunset' and `October Glory' have proven to be the best cultivars of red maple for the South. ‘Red Sunset’ has strong wood and is a vigorous, fast-grower, reaching a height of 50 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. Trees are often seen shorter in the southern part of its range unless located on a wet site. I also have a Sunset Red Maple that produces seeds every other year, one reason why it's planted further from my house (about 110' away). They tolerate a range of soil types, and they do best with adequate water. Compost. I just planted a October glory maple.can you tell me if the root system is shallow or deep? Acer rubrum, commonly called red maple, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that is native to Eastern North America from Quebec to Minnesota south to Florida and eastern Texas.It typically grows 40-60’ tall with a rounded to oval crown. Grows to 45 to 50' tall. Now, there are lots of shade trees for sale out there. Acer rubrum, the red maple, also known as swamp, water or soft maple, is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern and central North America.The U.S. Forest service recognizes it as the most abundant native tree in eastern North America. It's what I do. October Glory® Maple Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ For the best fall color, plant in full sun. 513.835.1935 • info@bigtrees4u.com Root System For A October Glory Maple. It is because of this trait that I struggle with recommending 'Autumn Blaze' for new plantings but I will confess that the trees I have seen in the landscape have outstanding fall color and they appear to have a better structure and growth habit than their parent. If you live in the Midwest or North, go with 'Red Sunset.' The same description applies to … It's also a horrible tree. Red maples (Acer rubrum A-ser RU-brum) are one of the most obvious choices for homeowners, and there are many planted in our area that are contributing to the vibrant hues splashed across the canvas we call a landscape. It is slower growing and tends to have more issues with alkaline soil causing chlorosis (yellowing of leaf). Proper soil preparation will pay dividends for years to come. The Difference Between an Autumn Blaze Maple & a Red Maple. They make excellent lawn and street trees, due to their ascending branches and lack of problematic surface roots. Some are great; some are garbage. Red Sunset is a red maple cultivar with superior fall color and good branch structure. Its growth rate is medium to fast, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension, at 10 to 12 feet in five to seven years. This characteristic coupled with its fast growth rate and resistance to certain pests have made it a popular choice for use in home landscapes and urban environments. 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