treeN. America Native

Brandywine Maple

Name: Brandywine Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer rubrum 'Brandywine'

$89.95$140.00Save 36%

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Leaves are toxic to horses.

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer rubrum, the red maple, is a widespread and adaptable deciduous tree native to eastern North America, celebrated for its early spring flowers and spectacular fall foliage. 'Brandywine' is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction prized for its brilliant, long-lasting fall color that transitions from red to a stunning purplish-red. It is a male clone and therefore produces no seeds.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Brandywine' is a premier ornamental shade tree, offering a dense, oval canopy of pleasing green leaves in summer. Its true spectacle is in autumn, when the foliage transforms into a breathtaking display of brilliant red and deep burgundy-purple that persists for several weeks.

As a seedless male clone, it does not produce the messy 'helicopter' seeds (samaras) of the species, making it a cleaner choice for lawns, patios, and street plantings. Its dense canopy provides excellent shade, helping to cool homes and outdoor living spaces.

Being a cultivar of a native species, it supports a wide range of wildlife. The early spring flowers are an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators. The tree provides nesting sites and cover for birds and is a host plant for many native insects.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods DirectDEAL

In Stock$140.00$89.95

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$185.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with moist, acidic, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at or slightly above grade.
Backfill with the excavated soil, breaking up any large clumps.
Water deeply to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic soil for the most intense fall color; alkaline soils can lead to chlorosis and muted autumn tones.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Protect the thin bark of young trees from mowers and string trimmers.
Perform structural pruning when the tree is young to encourage good form.
Monitor for pests like aphids and scale.

Don't

Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils.
Avoid deep planting; the root flare must be visible at the soil line.
Don't allow the soil to become compacted over the root zone.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to weak, rapid growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning autumn specimen treeReliable shade tree for lawnsColorful street or park tree

Companion Plants

Amelanchier canadensis Cornus florida Viburnum dentatum Cercis canadensis Fothergilla major

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Brandywine Maple questions

What zones can Brandywine Maple grow in?

Brandywine 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 Brandywine Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Brandywine Maple bloom?

Brandywine Maple typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Brandywine Maple need full sun?

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