Acer rubrum 'Frank Jr'
treeN. America Native

Redpointe Red Maple

Acer rubrum 'Frank Jr'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

70-90 years

Native To

Eastern North America (species)

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 is celebrated for its brilliant fall color, which can range from yellow to scarlet, and its adaptability to a wide range of site conditions. Redpointe® ('Frank Jr.') is a superior cultivar selected for its strong central leader, dominant trunk, and refined, broadly pyramidal form. It offers brilliant, long-lasting, pure red fall color and has better resistance to pests and diseases than many other cultivars.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesRedpointe® is a premier shade and street tree, valued for its tidy, symmetrical form that requires minimal pruning to maintain. Its primary ornamental feature is its consistently brilliant red fall foliage, which provides a spectacular seasonal display.
Practical UsesIts uniform growth habit and strong central leader make it a reliable and predictable choice for formal landscape designs, such as lining driveways or for use in urban streetscapes. The dense canopy provides excellent shade in summer.
Ecological BenefitsAs a cultivar of the native Red Maple, it supports local ecosystems. The early spring flowers are an important early-season nectar and pollen source for bees. The seeds (samaras) are eaten by birds and small mammals.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a site with full sun and moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
  2. Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
  3. Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
  4. Backfill with native soil, watering gently to remove air pockets.
  5. Water thoroughly, providing 1-2 deep waterings per week initially.
  6. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch in a wide circle, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in alkaline soils, which can cause chlorosis (yellowing leaves) and limit the intensity of its fall color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently, especially during the first two years and in droughts.
  • Maintain acidic soil conditions for best health and fall color.
  • Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.
  • Prune to remove crossing or dead branches to maintain good structure.

Don't

  • Don't plant in high pH (alkaline) soils.
  • Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites, especially in the southern part of its range.
  • Don't allow the root zone to be compacted by foot or vehicle traffic.
  • Never pile mulch against the trunk ('volcano mulching').

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent uniform street or parkway treeSymmetrical specimen for residential lawnsReliable choice for brilliant red fall color

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Itea virginica Viburnum dentatum Hydrangea quercifolia Carex pensylvanica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Redpointe Red Maple questions

What zones can Redpointe Red Maple grow in?

Redpointe Red Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Redpointe Red Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Redpointe Red Maple bloom?

Redpointe 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 Redpointe Red Maple need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Redpointe Red Maple with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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