Freeman Maple, Autumn Blaze

Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze is a stunning cultivar of a naturally occurring hybrid of Acer rubrum and Acer saccharinum that was found in the United States National Arboretum in the 1930s. This oval-headed tree is notable for its striking display of bright, flame-red foliage in the autumn.

It is a vigorous grower with attractive, deeply lobed leaves and dark green foliage during the spring and summer periods. Acer rubrum is the tree that is generally selected for this purpose, however, Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze performs more successfully in the UK, as Acer rubrum struggles to access an essential trace element, Manganese, which is only available to the tree at a low pH which can be uncommon in UK soils.

Acer x freemanii' Autumn Blaze' is fortunate in that it possesses the strength and toughness of Acer saccharinum, yet also exhibits the delicate and attractive qualities of Acer rubrum. It is quite a dramatic tree that potentially rivals popular trees such as Liquidambar (Sweet Gum) for autumn colour.

On a cautionary note, this vigorous grower can be slightly brittle, so it should be avoided on sites prone to persistent high winds to prevent damage. This tree tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and is most suited to parklands and gardens with ample space for it to reach its full maturity.

Mature height: 12-17m

Other cultivated forms of the Freeman maple (Acer x freemanii) available from Barcham include Armstrong and Autumn Fantasy.

Common names

Freeman Maple, Autumn Blaze

Height of tree

12-17m

Soil type

Well drained, Acidic, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Broad

Foliage Colour

Green

Looks good in

Autumn

Location

Parkland

Genus

Acer

Autumn Colour

Yes