Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’ (Freeman Maple)

Highly popular, award-winning Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’ (Freeman Maple) is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree noted for its ascending branch habit and glorious fall color. Its dense, oval to rounded canopy of deeply cut, bright green leaves turns brilliant orange-scarlet to crimson-red in fall. The delicate foliage holds its color for several weeks before shedding to the ground. This Freeman Maple also provides some winter interest with its smooth, thin, gray bark that becomes slightly furrowed with age. ‘Autumn Blaze’ is excellent as a specimen planting and one of the most brilliant Japanese Maples for fall color. It is drought-tolerant when established and grows in most soils.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
• Grows up to 50-60 ft. tall (15-18 m) and 40 ft. wide (12 m).
• A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Best leaf color in partial shade, although full sun can be tolerated. A lack of soil moisture or excessive exposure can cause leaf scorch.
• Perfect as a specimen plant in cottage gardens and city gardens.
• Low maintenance, this plant needs little pruning. If pruning is necessary, prune during the dormant season and avoid pruning in spring when the sap is running. Fertilize in spring before the leaves emerge.
• It may be affected by horse chestnut scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt.
• Propagate by grafting or softwood cuttings