
Bowhall Red Maple
Acer rubrum 'Bowhall'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
540 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium to wet
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
70-90 years
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Wilted leaves toxic to horses
The Story
Plant Bio
Acer rubrum, the red maple, is a widespread and adaptable deciduous tree native to eastern North America, valued for its fast growth and brilliant fall color. 'Bowhall' is selected for its distinctly upright, narrow, columnar to pyramidal form, making it an excellent choice for narrow spaces, street plantings, or formal garden designs. Its fall color is a reliable orange-red.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with full sun and moist, slightly acidic soil.
- Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
- Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at ground level.
- Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
- Water deeply 2-3 times a week for the first season.
- Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.
Pro Tip
Its narrow habit requires little to no pruning to maintain its shape, making it a very low maintenance choice for vertical interest.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during establishment and in dry periods.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Plant in acidic soil for the best fall color.
- Protect the thin bark of young trees from mechanical damage.
Don't
- Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils, as this causes chlorosis.
- Avoid planting in locations exposed to road salt.
- Do not prune in early spring when the sap is running heavily.
- Don't allow the soil to become compacted over the root zone.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bowhall Red Maple questions
What zones can Bowhall Red Maple grow in?
Bowhall Red Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bowhall Red Maple deer resistant?
Yes — Bowhall Red Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Bowhall Red Maple bloom?
Bowhall Red Maple typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bowhall Red Maple need full sun?
Bowhall Red Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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