Freeman’s Maple Autumn Blaze
(syn Jefferson Red)

A variety of a naturally occurring hybrid between the Canadian and sugar maples, Acer x freemanii Autumn Blaze is perhaps the most reliable maple for autumn colour in our climate. Tall, deciduous tree with deeply cut, five-lobed leaves opening yellow-green in spring, turning green in summer, then scarlet-red for absolutely outstanding autumn colour. Has the toughness of its Acer saccharinum parent and the delicacy and beauty of its Acer rubrum parent, but does not need acid soil to thrive and colour well. A vigorous, fast-growing tree with a lovely, oval-headed habit, it makes an excellent specimen tree. A good choice for colder areas, but not for exposed sites, as the branches can be rather brittle.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: Over 40ft (12m) in 20 years  Spread: Over 27ft (8m)