Summer Red Maple
Acer rubrum 'HOSR'Local DFW Delivery Only
Product Details
Summer Red Maple
Acer rubrum 'HOSR'Summer Red Maple is a beautifully versatile deciduous shade tree prized for its exceptional seasonal color and graceful form. Early in the year, new leaves unfurl in vivid red tones, creating a dramatic burst of color before gradually transitioning into deep, glossy green as temperatures rise. The tree forms a broad, oval canopy that provides ample shade throughout the warmer months. Reaching 35 to 40 feet tall and 20 to 25 feet wide at maturity, Summer Red Maple grows quickly and reliably, establishing itself as a long-term anchor in open lawns, parks, and larger plantings.
- Deciduous shade tree with broad, oval canopy
- Fast-growing
- Vivid red spring foliage, rich green in summer
- Excellent for shade, structure, and standout color
- Ideal for large yards, parks, and open landscapes
Summer Red Maple grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, it is heat-tolerant, adaptable, and a strong choice for Texas environments.
Summer Red Maple brings bold color and graceful shading to residential landscapes with minimal maintenance requirements. Here’s all it needs:
- Watering: Provide deep, consistent watering during the first several years to promote strong root development. Mature trees tolerate moderate drought but maintain the best foliage quality when soil stays evenly moist during hot summers. Avoid prolonged waterlogging, which can cause root decline.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove weakened, crossing, or storm-damaged branches and to maintain a balanced canopy. Heavy shaping is rarely needed due to its naturally refined structure. Avoid pruning during spring, when sap flow is at its peak.
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous growth and richly colored foliage. Organic compost can be used to improve soil structure and sustain long-term vitality. Excessive nitrogen may reduce leaf color intensity.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch mulch layer around the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch slightly away from the trunk to prevent moisture-related bark issues. Refresh annually for optimal soil health.
- Winter Care: Summer Red Maple is cold-hardy and maintains its shape well through winter conditions. Young trees may benefit from some wind protection during their first year, but mature specimens require no special care. Remove any winter-damaged twigs in late winter.
Summer Red Maple is dependable and relatively low-maintenance, though a few manageable issues may appear in stressful environments:
- Leaf Scorch: Browning leaf edges occur during extreme heat or drought. Improved watering consistency and mulching help prevent future scorch episodes.
- Chlorosis: Yellowing leaves with dark green veins signal nutrient imbalances, usually in alkaline soils. Chelated iron and gradual soil correction restore healthy leaf color.
- Aphids: Sticky honeydew or curling leaves indicate aphid feeding. Rinsing foliage or applying insecticidal soap quickly restores balance.
- Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery coating may develop in humid or shaded conditions. Increase airflow and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease pressure.
- Scale Insects: Small bumps on stems or sticky residue suggest scale presence. Treat with horticultural oil and monitor for improvements over time.
Summer Red Maple typically lives 60-90 years with proper care. Its long lifespan makes it a valuable long-term shade and color tree.
It grows at a moderate to fast rate - often 1-2 feet per year. A mature canopy usually forms within 10-20 years.
Its eventual size makes long-term container growing impractical. Planting in the ground ensures proper root development and long-term vigor.
It handles summer heat well when soil moisture is consistent. Proper mulching helps preserve leaf vibrancy during extended warm spells.
It is typically propagated through grafting to preserve cultivar traits. Division does not apply to trees.
Yes - its uniform form and color progression make it excellent for long allees, neighborhood plantings, or large open lawns. Repeated in rows, it creates a strong visual rhythm.
Hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, Dogwoods, Hostas, and Ferns complement its shifting leaf colors beautifully. These combinations enhance both texture and seasonal depth.
It adapts well to moderate pollution and compacted soils, making it suitable for city streets and commercial landscapes. With proper watering, it maintains strong performance in urban settings.
Young trees transplant reliably when moved in late winter or early spring. With consistent watering afterward, they establish quickly and resume vigorous growth.
Its long-lasting red and burgundy foliage sets it apart, providing color well beyond the spring flush. The combination of reliable structure and extended seasonal interest makes it a standout ornamental tree.
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Summer Red Maple This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acer rubrum 'HOSR' | Acer rubrum ‘Autumn Flame’ |
| Size at Maturity | 35' H x 20' W | 45' H x 35' W |
| Leaf Retention | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Fall Color | Orange & Red | Red & Orange |
| Sizes Available | 30, 65 gal | 45, 95 gal |
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