Red Maple October Glory

Acer October Glory is a Red Maple Tree. Broadly rounded in shape, this is dark green leaved Maple with incredible red-orange Autumn foliage colour. Grows to approx. 12m

Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ (October Glory Red Maple) – Detailed Overview

General Information

• Common Name: October Glory Red Maple
• Botanical Name: Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’
• Family: Sapindaceae
• Origin: Cultivar of the native North American Acer rubrum

Description

• Growth Habit: Fast-growing, oval to rounded canopy with dense foliage.
• Size:
  • Typically grows 12–15 m (40–50 ft) tall
  • Spread is around 9–12 m (30–40 ft) wide
• Lifespan: Can live 80–100 years with proper care.

Key Features

• Foliage:
  • Spring & Summer: Glossy green leaves with a slightly lighter underside.
  • Autumn: Brilliant red to orange-red foliage, often holding its color longer than other Acer rubrum cultivars.
• Flowers:
  • Small, reddish flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge.
  • Not particularly showy but provide early-season interest and nectar for pollinators.
• Bark:
  • Smooth and gray on young trees, developing ridges and furrows with age.
• Fruits:
  • Small, red-tinged samaras (winged seeds) appear in late spring to early summer.

Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for best autumn color but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Prefers moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil but tolerates wet conditions better than most maples.
• Watering:
  • Moderate to high water needs, especially in hot or dry conditions.
  • Prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
• Humidity: Tolerant of moderate to high humidity levels.

Care and Maintenance

• Pruning:
  • Minimal pruning needed; best done in late summer to avoid excessive sap bleeding.
  • Remove dead or weak branches to maintain structure.
• Mulching: A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
• Fertilization:
  • Benefits from slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they may reduce fall color intensity.
• Pests & Diseases:
  • Pests: Susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars.
  • Diseases: Can develop leaf spot, verticillium wilt, and tar spot, though it is generally resistant to serious diseases.
  • Proper watering and airflow help prevent issues.

Landscape Uses

• Shade Tree: Provides excellent shade for landscapes, parks, and residential yards.
• Street Tree: Tolerant of urban conditions and pollution, making it a great city tree.
• Ornamental Feature: Its long-lasting, vibrant fall color makes it a standout choice for gardens and large landscapes.
• Wildlife: Attracts birds, pollinators, and small mammals that feed on its seeds and flowers.

Propagation

• Typically propagated by cuttings or grafting to preserve its superior fall color and growth characteristics.

October Glory Upright Maple

Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ is a stunning, fast-growing red maple cultivar known for its brilliant, long-lasting fall color, glossy green summer foliage, and adaptability. It thrives in a variety of soils, tolerates urban environments, and provides excellent shade. This low-maintenance tree is an excellent choice for landscapes, parks, and streets.