Acer rubrum 'SCANLON' scarlet maple
size/type
medium-sized tree,medium-sized tree
usual height
8-12m
usual width
3-5m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
insignificant or non-blooming
location
full sun
soil type
acidic (peaty)
soil moisture requirements
tolerates (but does not demand) wet ground
USDA zone (lowest)
3 (down to -40°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Scarlet maple is one of the most spectacular, deciduous, big-sized trees suitable for large gardens, parks or city avenues. However, modern varieties and selections are smaller in size so you can grow it in mid-sized gardens or even small front yards if you control its size by pruning.
Description of the plant:
Scanlon is an attractive variety of scarlet maple with compact, dense crown and fabulous colour in autumn. Its leaves are smaller than on sycamore trees or Norway maples, they are 3-lobed, deciduous, mid green in summer and rich scarlet red in autumn with some orange and golden shades in between summer and autumn phase. The crown is very dense and compact, narrowly oval, almost columnar when young, turning somewhat narrowly pyramidal with age. It is a moderate grower with a strong central leader which guarantees good shape. Thanks to its narrow form it is useful in narrow streets and gardens where you cannot grow a tree with a large canopy.
Scarlet maple will grow in almost any soil, it also withstands wet feet. However, if you are looking for a strong and healthy tree with superb autumn colours grow it in acid soil (add peat) that is evenly moist throughout the year (mulch it well with bark), in full sun. It is wind and air-pollution tolerant. Stake young and freshly transplanted trees to a support for the first 3 years to make sure they get well established and have straight trunks. Fully hardy to -40°C (USDA zone 3).
Last update 09-09-2012
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