How to Grow Autumn Flame

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Autumn Flame

Acer rubrum 'Autumn Flame'

tree

Autumn Flame is a cultivar of the red maple tree, prized for its brilliant crimson foliage in fall and attractive form. It reaches 45-50 feet tall and 35-40 feet wide, making it an excellent shade and ornamental specimen tree. This deciduous tree is valued in landscapes for its reliable, early red color and interesting branching structure.

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Example Autumn Flame timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Autumn Flame
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Autumn Flame
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Autumn Flame dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily) for best fall color; tolerates partial shade

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Water: Prefers consistently moist soil, especially during establishment (first 2-3 years). Water deeply weekly during dry periods. More drought-tolerant once established compared to other maples, but performs best with adequate moisture.

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Spacing: inches

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Days to maturity:

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; do not bury the trunk

Soil

Type: Moist, well-draining soil; tolerates acidic to slightly alkaline conditions

pH: 5.0-7.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or compost for moisture retention Mulch to maintain soil moisture and regulate temperature

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Nursery Sapling

1-2 years after planting

Young tree, typically 6-12 feet tall when purchased, with developing branching structure

Plant in early spring or fall. Choose a location with adequate space for mature size. Water regularly to establish deep root system. Stake if in windy location. Do not fertilize excessively as this promotes weak growth.

Early Growth

2-5 years

Tree establishes main scaffold branches and gains height; leaves are medium green in summer

Maintain consistent moisture. Prune dead or crossing branches in dormant season. Remove any lower branches if desired for clearance. Mulch 3-4 inches deep around base, keeping away from trunk.

Maturation

5-20 years

Tree reaches full form with well-developed canopy; summer foliage is lush and green

Continue regular watering during dry spells. Light pruning for shape can be done in late winter. Monitor for pests and diseases. Apply balanced fertilizer sparingly if needed.

Peak Fall Color

3-4 weeks

Foliage transforms to brilliant crimson, scarlet, and deep red throughout the canopy; colors appear earlier than most maples (late August to September)

This is the prime ornamental season. Full sun exposure maximizes color intensity. Cool nights and adequate moisture during growing season enhance fall color. Rake and compost fallen leaves or leave as mulch.

Dormancy

3-4 months

Leaves drop completely; tree enters winter rest with visible branching structure and gray bark

Prune dead or diseased wood. Inspect for winter damage. Maintain mulch for root protection in cold zones. Dormant oil spray can be applied for pest management if needed.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Understory shade perennials (hostas, hellebores, ferns) Flowering shrubs (azaleas, rhododendrons) Ornamental grasses (sedges, hakonechloa) Spring bulbs (daffodils, trilliums) Serviceberry (Amelanchier)

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) - produces juglone toxin Very shallow-rooted trees competing for water and nutrients

Common Pests

Prune infected branches; horticultural oil spray in dormant season; insecticidal soap for crawlers in late spring/early summer
Hand-pick or shake branches early morning; use row covers for new transplants; avoid pesticides that kill beneficial insects; apply neem oil if severe
Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; beneficial insects like ladybugs control populations naturally
Improve tree vigor with proper watering and care; prune infected branches back to healthy wood; no chemical cure; may require removal if severely affected
Prune dead branches; improve air circulation; rake and remove infected leaf debris; fungicide spray in spring if severe

Uses

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Landscape Shade & Ornament

Household

Autumn Flame serves as an excellent specimen tree for residential and commercial landscapes, providing shade during summer months and stunning fall color. Its moderate size and upright branching form make it ideal for parks, street plantings, and as a focal point in yard designs. [source]

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Urban & Suburban Screening

Household

The dense canopy provides privacy screening and wind protection when planted in groups or as windbreaks. Its adaptability to various soil conditions makes it valuable for difficult urban planting sites. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Food Source

Wildlife

Autumn Flame provides nesting sites for birds and produces samaras (winged seeds) that feed wildlife. The tree also supports various insects that become food for birds and small mammals. [source]

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Fall Foliage Photography & Tourism

Craft

Highly valued in regions where fall foliage is a major tourist attraction and subject for artists and photographers. The reliable, brilliant fall color makes it a preferred choice for ornamental plantings in display gardens. [source]

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Street Tree & Municipal Planting

Household

Due to its moderate size, non-invasive root system (compared to other maples), and disease resistance, Autumn Flame is widely used in urban forestry and street tree programs throughout North America. [source]

Harvest Tips

Autumn Flame is an ornamental tree, not harvested for food. Enjoy its spectacular fall display in September-October. Fallen seeds (samaras/helicopters) and leaves can be composted or left as natural mulch.

Fun Facts

🌱 Autumn Flame was bred at Rutgers University and is one of the most reliable cultivars for early, consistent fall color, often turning red in late August while other maples are still green.
🌱 Red maple is native to eastern North America and can naturally occur in swampy areas, which is why Autumn Flame tolerates wet soil better than most other ornamental trees.
🌱 The brilliant red color in maple leaves is produced by anthocyanin pigments that are created only after cool autumn nights; sunny days and adequate moisture during the growing season significantly enhance fall color intensity.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Compost Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade

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