Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size7 x 4 metres in 20 years
FoliageGreen leaves with autumn colour (deciduous)
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’ arguably has the best fiery autumn colour of all Maple trees suited to the British climate. The attractive, deeply indented yellow-green spring foliage turns green in summer before the vibrant red, orange and yellow autumn colours appear. ‘Autumn Blaze’ also boasts silvery-grey bark that contrasts wonderfully with the foliage.
A popular larger Maple tree with an attractive oval-head, Acer freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’ is fairly vigorous and will reach 7 x 4 metres in 20 years. Also known as Acer freemanii Jeffersred or Freeman Maple, it is a natural hybrid that has the autumn beauty of Acer rubrum and toughness of Acer saccharinum. ‘Autumn Blaze’ holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and grows in either full sun or partial shade.
AKA Freeman maple, Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
