Flame Amur Maple (Acer ginnala 'Flame') Flame Amur Maple (Acer ginnala 'Flame') is a hardy, adaptable small tree or large shrub selected for its reliable, vivid fall color and manageable size. It brings a refined, three-lobed leaf texture through summer, then turns on a bright red autumn display that can light up the landscape and read clearly from a distance. The compact scale makes it easy to place in residential yards, mixed borders, and along property edges, where it adds canopy presence without overwhelming the space. If you want a plant that delivers a strong seasonal payoff and functions as a focal point in smaller landscapes, Flame Amur Maple is an excellent choice. Distinctive Features The signature trait is fall color, with foliage that often turns a strong, saturated red, making it one of the most dependable small-scale trees for autumn impact. In spring, small fragrant flowers may appear, followed by winged seed clusters that add subtle seasonal detail later in the year. It can be grown as a multi-stem large shrub for a more naturalistic look, or trained into a small tree form for a cleaner silhouette. The canopy has a lighter density than many larger shade trees, allowing filtered light to reach understory plantings and making it easier to integrate into mixed garden designs. Growing Conditions Sun: Full sun to part shade; best fall color in full sun. Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types once established. Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then as needed during extended dry spells. USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8. Habit: Deciduous large shrub to small tree with a rounded, spreading form; can be multi-stem or single-stem trained. Mature Size: About 15 to 20 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. Ideal Uses Focal Point: Use as a small specimen where the red fall color can take center stage. Front Yard and Foundation Scale Tree: Add a tree look without the size and shade of larger maples. Mixed Border Anchor: Plant behind shrubs and perennials to add height, structure, and seasonal change. Screening and Edges: Use in groups for a loose seasonal screen or to define property lines with fall interest. Courtyard and Small Gardens: Fits spaces where a traditional shade tree is too large, while still delivering canopy presence. Low Maintenance Care Watering: Water deeply during the first one to two seasons; once established, supplemental watering during drought helps maintain vigor and leaf quality. Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the stems and trunk. Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape, remove crossing branches, or maintain a single-trunk tree form if desired. Feeding: Fertilize lightly in spring if growth is slow; healthy plants in decent soil often need little feeding. Management: If seedlings are not desired, remove seed clusters before they mature, or thin volunteers as needed. Why Choose Flame Amur Maple? Reliable Red Fall Color: Selected for a vivid autumn display that stands out in the landscape. Hardy and Adaptable: Tolerates cold winters and performs in a wide range of conditions. Flexible Form: Works as a multi-stem shrub or can be trained into a small tree. Great for Smaller Landscapes: Provides canopy presence and seasonal interest without overwhelming the yard. Easy Focal Point Value: Adds structure, seasonal color, and a finished look with straightforward care. If you want a compact ornamental maple with dependable red fall color and a landscape-friendly size, Flame Amur Maple delivers strong seasonal impact and focal point presence for residential gardens.
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