Acer ginnala / Amur Maple

Experience the spectacular beauty of Acer ginnala, the stunning Amur Maple that brings exceptional autumn drama, delightful spring fragrance, and compact elegance with its brilliant red autumn colour and multi-stemmed form. This outstanding ornamental maple offers remarkable multi-season interest—fragrant creamy-white flowers in spring that fill the garden with sweet perfume and attract countless pollinators, attractive three-lobed glossy dark green leaves that create dense, handsome foliage throughout summer, absolutely spectacular autumn transformation when the foliage ignites in brilliant shades of scarlet, crimson, orange, and red—one of the most reliable and intense autumn displays of any small tree, and compact size with attractive multi-stemmed habit perfect for smaller gardens, mixed borders, or as focal points, making this one of the finest and most versatile small maples for creating seasonal drama, fragrant beauty, and fiery autumn colour in your garden.

Throughout spring and summer, this captivating tree displays its characteristic three-lobed leaves measuring 4-8cm long with a distinctive elongated central lobe and two smaller side lobes, creating an elegant leaf shape quite different from typical maple foliage. The leaves emerge in spring in fresh bright green, quickly maturing to glossy dark green with a slightly leathery texture that creates attractive, dense foliage throughout the growing season. In mid to late spring, the tree becomes adorned with clusters of small creamy-white flowers that release a delightful sweet fragrance—unusual for maples and a lovely bonus. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators. By late summer, attractive winged seeds (samaras) develop in shades of pink to red, adding ornamental interest. But the real magic happens in autumn when the foliage transforms into one of the most spectacular displays imaginable—brilliant shades of scarlet, crimson, orange, and red that seem to glow with inner fire, creating breathtaking impact that rivals any autumn tree. The multi-stemmed habit creates elegant form, and the smooth grey bark adds winter interest.

Native to northeastern Asia including Manchuria, Korea, and Siberia, Acer ginnala is named after the Ginnala River region. Also known as Siberian Maple, reflecting its origins in cold climates. Exceptionally hardy and adaptable, this maple thrives in British conditions, tolerating exposure, urban pollution, a wide range of soil types including clay, and even coastal conditions. One of the most cold-hardy and reliable maples for consistent autumn colour—the brilliant red display develops reliably year after year regardless of weather conditions. Compact size and multi-stemmed habit make this ideal for smaller gardens where larger maples would be too big. Can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a small tree.

Create stunning compositions by planting as spectacular specimen features in mixed borders, small gardens, or courtyards where the autumn colour can be fully appreciated. Magnificent in oriental-style gardens, contemporary landscapes, or cottage gardens. Exceptional planted where the autumn foliage can be backlit by low sun for maximum drama—the leaves seem to glow like stained glass. Works beautifully in groups of three for enhanced impact, or as focal points in lawns. Perfect for urban gardens where the compact size, pollution tolerance, and reliable autumn colour create maximum impact. Underplant with spring bulbs or shade-tolerant perennials. The multi-stemmed form suits naturalistic planting styles.

Planting: Space plants 5-6m apart if planting multiples, or allow 5-6m for specimen placement to accommodate the mature spread. Plant container-grown specimens year-round, though autumn or early spring is ideal. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter. Plant at the same depth as the container. Stake if training as a single-stemmed tree for the first 2-3 years. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base. Choose positions in full sun for best autumn colour—partial shade produces less intense colouration.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, sand, and moderately acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. Prefers moisture-retentive, fertile conditions but adapts remarkably well to poorer soils. More tolerant of alkaline soils than many maples. Dislikes waterlogged sites. Exceptionally tolerant of urban pollution, compacted soils, exposure, and challenging conditions. Best autumn colour occurs in full sun with consistent moisture.

Container Growing: Can be grown successfully in large containers (minimum 60cm diameter) using soil-based compost, making this suitable for patios, terraces, and balconies. Water regularly during growing season—never allow to dry out completely. Feed in spring with slow-release balanced fertiliser. Protect containers from hard frost in winter by wrapping or moving to sheltered locations. Repot every 3-4 years in early spring. Container-grown specimens remain more compact and create spectacular patio features with stunning autumn colour.

Seasonal Care: Requires minimal pruning if grown as a multi-stemmed shrub—the naturally elegant form develops without intervention. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter when dormant. If training as a single-stemmed tree, remove lower branches gradually over several years to create clear trunk. Avoid heavy pruning as this can stimulate excessive sap bleeding. Prune in late winter only—never in spring when sap is rising. Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser in early spring. Mulch annually with organic matter. Water during dry spells, especially in the first 3-5 years until established. Generally pest and disease resistant—one of the toughest and most reliable maples.

Propagation: Can be grown from seed collected from ripe samaras in autumn, though seedlings show variation and take several years to reach flowering and fruiting size. Sow fresh seed in autumn in pots outdoors. Professional propagation is also by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in summer with rooting hormone, or by grafting. Cuttings can be attempted by home gardeners with reasonable success. Layering is also possible for multi-stemmed specimens.

This spectacular beauty is absolutely stunning—that brilliant scarlet and crimson autumn colour is simply breathtaking and develops reliably year after year! The fragrant creamy-white spring flowers are a lovely bonus, and that glossy dark green summer foliage is handsome. Compact size perfect for smaller gardens, exceptionally hardy, tolerates challenging conditions, and that autumn display is pure fire! One of the most reliable and spectacular small maples for autumn colour!