Acer rubrum October Glory

Discover the spectacular beauty of Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’, one of the finest red maples for reliable, long-lasting autumn colour that brings breathtaking seasonal drama to British gardens. This outstanding cultivar offers exceptional ornamental value—vigorous growth that establishes quickly, an elegant oval to rounded crown, glossy summer foliage, and one of the most spectacular and dependable autumn displays of any maple, transforming into brilliant shades of scarlet, crimson, and burgundy-red that persist for weeks, often lasting well into November and living up to its evocative name.

Throughout spring and summer, this captivating tree displays its attractive five-lobed leaves of glossy dark green that create a dense, rounded canopy providing welcome shade and elegant presence. In early spring, clusters of small red flowers appear before the leaves emerge, adding delicate beauty and providing early nectar for pollinators. The naturally symmetrical branching structure develops without intervention, creating a well-balanced form. As autumn arrives—particularly in October—the true magic unfolds: the entire canopy transforms into a spectacular blaze of colour, beginning with brilliant orange-red and intensifying to deep scarlet and crimson that glows like fire. The colour develops later than many maples, providing spectacular display when most other trees have finished, and persists longer, often remaining vibrant into early winter.

This remarkable cultivar was selected in the United States for its exceptional autumn colour performance and adaptability. A cultivar of the native American Red Maple, ‘October Glory’ combines spectacular ornamental qualities with robust constitution. Exceptionally hardy and adaptable, this maple thrives in British conditions, tolerating wet soils better than most maples whilst handling urban pollution and exposed sites. The reliable autumn colour develops consistently regardless of weather conditions, making this one of the most dependable choices for guaranteed seasonal impact.

Create stunning compositions by planting as specimen trees in lawns where the late-season autumn colour can be fully appreciated and enjoyed from indoors as the days shorten. Magnificent in avenue plantings for dramatic seasonal displays, in parkland settings, or as bold focal points in large borders. Works beautifully combined with evergreens like yew, holly, or conifers that provide contrasting backdrop to the autumn flames, or planted near water features where the brilliant foliage reflects in still water for doubled impact.

Planting: Space trees 10-12m apart for groupings or avenue plantings, or allow 12-15m for specimen placement to accommodate mature spread. Plant bare-root trees from November to March, or container-grown specimens year-round. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter, particularly ericaceous compost or well-rotted leaf mould. Plant at the same depth as the nursery soil mark. Stake for the first 2-3 years. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with pH 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). Prefers moisture-retentive conditions enriched with organic matter. Tolerates heavy clay and periodically wet conditions better than most maples. Avoid very alkaline or chalky soils which can cause chlorosis and reduce autumn colour intensity. Incorporate ericaceous compost or well-rotted leaf mould to improve soil structure and maintain acidity. Best autumn colour develops in full sun with adequate moisture.

Container Growing: Not suitable for long-term container growing due to size and vigorous root system. Young specimens can be grown temporarily in very large containers (minimum 80cm diameter) using ericaceous compost, but should be planted out within 2-3 years for best long-term health and to achieve full size potential and spectacular autumn colour.

Seasonal Care: Requires minimal pruning—the naturally symmetrical habit develops without intervention. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late autumn or winter when fully dormant. Avoid pruning in spring when sap is rising. Apply slow-release ericaceous fertiliser in early spring. Mulch annually with acidic organic matter to retain moisture and maintain soil pH. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first 2-3 years and during dry autumns when adequate moisture enhances colour development.

Propagation: Propagate by grafting or budding onto Acer rubrum rootstock in late winter or summer (specialist technique). Cuttings are difficult and unreliable. Seed-grown plants will not come true to type and will not display the characteristic late, long-lasting autumn colour. Most gardeners prefer to purchase nursery-grown grafted specimens for guaranteed quality, true-to-type characteristics, and dependable spectacular autumn performance.