tree RHS AwardN. America Native

Autumn Blaze Maple

Acer freemanii 'Jeffersred'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

480 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

North America (Hybrid)

Toxicity

Wilted leaves are toxic to horses

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer x freemanii is a naturally occurring hybrid between red maple (A. rubrum) and silver maple (A. saccharinum), combining the former's color and strength with the latter's fast growth. 'Jeffersred', sold as Autumn Blaze, is renowned for its brilliant, long-lasting orange-red fall color and rapid growth rate. It has a dense, ascending branching habit, forming a broadly oval crown.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Valued primarily for its spectacular and reliable orange-red fall color that persists longer than many other maples. Its fast growth and dense canopy make it an impressive landscape feature.

An excellent shade tree for residential lawns, parks, and commercial landscapes. Its rapid growth provides quick shade, helping to reduce cooling costs for nearby buildings.

While a hybrid, it still provides benefits of its parent species, offering nesting sites for birds and habitat for various insects. The samaras (seeds) can be a food source for squirrels.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun and ample space to grow
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball
Place the tree so the root flare is level with the soil
Backfill with the original soil, watering to settle
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, for the first two years

Pro Tip

Water deeply and regularly during the first few years to establish a strong root system and prevent stress.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during droughts, even on mature trees.
Prune for good structure when the tree is young.
Test soil pH if leaves appear yellow, as it's prone to chlorosis.

Don't

Do not plant in highly alkaline soils.
Avoid pruning major branches in spring to prevent excessive sap bleeding.
Do not pile mulch against the trunk.

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

Spectacular large shade treeFast-growing street or park treeBrilliant fall color specimen

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Hydrangea quercifolia Astilbe

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Autumn Blaze Maple questions

What zones can Autumn Blaze Maple grow in?

Autumn Blaze 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 Autumn Blaze Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Autumn Blaze Maple bloom?

Autumn Blaze 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 Autumn Blaze Maple need full sun?

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

Is Autumn Blaze Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Autumn Blaze Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.