treeN. America Native

Florida Flame Red Maple

Acer rubrum 'Florida Flame'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

80-100 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Wilted leaves are highly toxic to horses.

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer rubrum, the Red Maple, is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern North America. It's celebrated for its fast growth, adaptability to various soils, and brilliant fall foliage. 'Florida Flame' is a selection specifically chosen for its superior performance in hot climates. It exhibits excellent heat and humidity tolerance and produces a consistently spectacular, fiery red fall color, a trait often unreliable in southern regions.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Florida Flame' provides the classic beauty of a Red Maple for warmer regions. It's a handsome shade tree with a pleasing oval to rounded shape, early spring red flowers, and a stunning, reliable red fall foliage display that is often lacking in southern climates.

As a fast-growing tree, it provides shade relatively quickly. Its tolerance for wet soils makes it an excellent choice for low spots in the landscape, near streams, or in rain gardens.

Red Maple is a vital early-season pollen and nectar source for bees. The seeds (samaras) are eaten by squirrels and birds. The tree provides nesting sites for many bird species and is a larval host for the Rosy Maple Moth.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun to part shade and moist, acidic soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with the native soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

For the most intense fall color, plant in a location that receives full sun and has slightly acidic soil.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first few years and in droughts.
Prune to develop a single central leader when the tree is young.
Provide acidic soil conditions for best health and fall color.
Appreciate the early red flowers that signal the start of spring.

Don't

Don't plant in alkaline (high pH) soils, which can cause leaf chlorosis.
Avoid planting where roots can damage sidewalks or foundations; they are shallow.
Don't prune in late winter or early spring, as the tree will 'bleed' sap heavily.
Never allow wilted leaves to be accessible to horses.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Reliable shade tree for southern landscapesVibrant specimen for brilliant fall colorAdaptable choice for moist or streamside locations

Companion Plants

Nyssa sylvatica Amelanchier canadensis Ilex verticillata Viburnum dentatum Osmunda cinnamomea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Florida Flame Red Maple questions

What zones can Florida Flame Red Maple grow in?

Florida Flame Red Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Florida Flame Red Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Florida Flame Red Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Florida Flame Red Maple bloom?

Florida Flame Red Maple typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Florida Flame Red Maple need full sun?

Florida Flame Red Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.