Acer x Freemanii 'Autumn Blaze'
Regular price$395.00
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Tax included.
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Delivery
$82.50 for orders under $1,000 ·
$44 for orders over $1,000+
Delivered via specialist nursery freight — plants travel upright in enclosed trucks, not general couriers. Learn more
Autumn Blaze Maple / Freeman Maple / Red Maple
Botanical Name: Acer × freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’ (syn. ‘Jeffersred’)
Family: Sapindaceae
Origin: North America (hybrid of red maple A. rubrum × silver maple A. saccharinum; cultivar selected in the USA)
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Overview
Autumn Blaze is a fast-growing, handsome shade tree with a broad oval crown and brilliant orange-red autumn colour. It combines the structure and colour of red maple with the adaptability and vigour of silver maple—ideal as a feature or avenue tree for temperate SA gardens.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 12-15 m H x 8-12 m W (can be larger with age/site)
- Growth Rate: 60-100+ cm per year under good conditions (fast)
- Foliage: Green, deeply lobed leaves turning orange-red to scarlet in autumn
- Flowers: Inconspicuous (late winter/spring); not grown for flowers
- Seasonal Interest: Spectacular autumn colour; cooling summer shade
- Wildlife Value: Canopy and nesting value for birds; general habitat
- Tolerance: Frost hardy; heat and wind tolerant; prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 6–8 m apart (≈1 tree per 36–64 m²), depending on mature canopy
- Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs. Toxic to horses (wilted/dried red-maple-type leaves can be dangerous)—avoid planting where horses can access leaf fall.
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Loam, sandy loam or clay loam with good drainage; avoid waterlogging
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); seldom in winter unless dry
- Maintenance: Mulch in spring; structural prune when young (winter) to maintain a strong frame
- Lifespan: 25-50 years in good conditions
- Climate Zones: Suited to temperate SA; away from frontline coastal salt
- Soil pH: Neutral (best) — adaptable, but avoid high alkaline sites or manage with soil amendments/chelated iron if chlorosis appears.
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Feature/statement tree for lawn or verge
- Avenue/driveway planting
- Shade tree near outdoor living (allow canopy space)
Why You Will Love It
Fast, tough and dazzling in autumn—Autumn Blaze delivers classic maple shade and colour with low fuss.