Acer x freemanii 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 significant for its outstanding display of bright flame-red foliage in the autumn time.

It is a vigorous grower that has pretty, 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 that it possesses the strength and toughness of Acer saccharinum, yet also has the delicate and pretty qualities offered by 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 that are prone to persistent high winds to avoid damage. This tree tolerates all soil conditions and is most suited to parklands and gardens with plenty of space for it to reach its full glory at maturity.

Mature height: 12-17m