treeN. America Native

Red Rocket Red Maple

Name: Red Rocket Red Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer rubrum 'Red Rocket'

$185.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

450 inches

Width

108 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Wilted leaves 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 is celebrated for its early spring flowers, red-tinged new growth, and brilliant fall coloration. 'Red Rocket' is a distinctive cultivar chosen for its tight, narrow, columnar growth habit, making it an ideal choice for street plantings, narrow yards, or formal landscape designs. It delivers the classic red maple fall color in a space-saving form.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Offers the same beautiful red spring flowers and brilliant fall color as the species but in a striking, narrow form. Its shape provides strong vertical interest in all seasons.

Its tight, columnar habit makes it an exceptional choice for planting in constrained spaces, such as along driveways, between buildings, or in narrow planting strips where a traditional maple would not fit.

As a native tree, it provides early spring nectar for bees from its flowers and supports a variety of insects. Birds use it for nesting and shelter, and some consume the seeds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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 the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with native soil, removing any air pockets.
Water deeply and apply a 3-inch layer of mulch.
Provide consistent water during the first few growing seasons.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic soil for the most vibrant fall color; high pH soils can cause chlorosis and muted autumn tones.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Test soil pH and amend with sulfur if it's too alkaline.
Water during extended periods of drought.
Prune only to remove dead or damaged branches, preserving its natural form.

Don't

Don't plant in dry, alkaline soils.
Avoid heavy pruning or topping, which will destroy its columnar shape.
Do not pile mulch against the trunk, as it can cause rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent vertical accentNarrow street or driveway treeFormal screen or allee

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Ilex verticillata Amelanchier canadensis Vaccinium corymbosum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Rocket Red Maple questions

What zones can Red Rocket Red Maple grow in?

Red Rocket 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 Red Rocket Red Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Red Rocket Red Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Red Rocket Red Maple bloom?

Red Rocket 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 Red Rocket Red Maple need full sun?

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