Acer Rubrum October Glory

In Store Pick Up Only

The 'October Glory' Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'October Glory') is one of the most popular and reliable shade trees, especially famed for its late and spectacular fall color.

Essential Characteristics 

• Autumn Color: Known for its brilliant, late-season color, transforming to a vivid red, reddish-orange, and deep crimson 🔴🧡, often holding its leaves for weeks after other trees have dropped theirs.

• Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves throughout the spring and summer, which provides excellent shade. Leaves are typically 3- to 5-lobed.

• Form & Size: A fast-growing, medium-to-large tree with a symmetrical, dense, oval to rounded crown 🌳.

  • Height: 40–50 ft (12–15 m).

  • Spread: 25–40 ft (7–12 m).

• Blooms & Fruit: Small, showy red flowers appear in early spring before the leaves. As a female cultivar, it produces reddish, two-winged samaras (or "helicopters")  which are often eaten by birds.

Growing Information 🪴

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun ☀️ for the best, most vibrant fall color, but will tolerate partial shade.

• Soil: Highly adaptable to many soils, including clay and sand, but thrives best in moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil . Alkaline soil can cause leaf yellowing (chlorosis).

  Watering: Requires regular watering when young; a mature tree is moderately drought-tolerant but appreciates consistent moisture.

• Maintenance: Minimal pruning is required; focus on structural pruning early in its life to maintain a strong central leader. Prune in summer or autumn to avoid heavy sap 'bleeding' that occurs in late winter/early spring.