Name: Acer ginnala 'Flame'
Brand: Pépinière.ca
Availability: OutOfStock

Latin name

Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala 'Flame'

Common name

Amur Maple 'Flame', Acer ginnala 'Flame'

Type

TREE

Family

Sapindaceae

Acer ginnala 'Flame', also known as Amur maple 'Flame', is a highly prized horticultural selection for its dense bushy form, great hardiness, and brilliant red fall foliage. More compact than a large maple, it naturally forms a small tree or a large rounded, well-branched shrub that easily integrates into residential landscapes. Its dark green, lustrous foliage creates a beautiful mass effect during the summer, bringing freshness, texture, and a generous plant presence to the garden, before transforming into a uniform bright red from the beginning of autumn.

Versatile and decorative, this maple can be used in many ways in the garden. It is very suitable as a specimen plant, where its rounded habit and autumn color become a natural focal point, but also as an informal hedge, a green screen, a light windbreak, or in a naturalized planting. Its discreetly fragrant creamy spring bloom brings additional seasonal interest as the foliage develops, then gives way to decorative red samaras in summer, which add a touch of color and movement even before the arrival of autumn hues.

Very easy to grow, Acer ginnala 'Flame' is recognized for its great adaptability and low maintenance requirements. It tolerates several types of soil, including poorer, dry, or slightly calcareous soils, provided that drainage is adequate, and tolerates drought periods quite well once established. Hardy, decorative, and reliable under Quebec's climatic conditions, the 'Flame' Amur maple remains an essential classic for adding color, structure, and character to residential gardens, large properties, and sustainable landscapes.

Care guide

Care level

Low to moderate

Choosing this plant

Main benefit

Its uniform bright red autumn foliage is its greatest appeal. Acer ginnala 'Flame' offers spectacular late-season color, while maintaining a dense, rounded habit that is easy to integrate into landscapes. Its decorative red samaras in summer also add visual interest before the arrival of autumn colors.

An excellent choice as a specimen plant, in a free-growing hedge, as a screening plant, a light windbreak, or in naturalized plantings. Its rounded to bushy habit allows for the creation of structure without the massive effect of a large tree. It is very well suited for small gardens, large properties, sustainable landscaping, and compositions where beautiful fall color, good hardiness, and an easy-care plant are desired.

Container growing

Possible in a very large container, especially when the plant is young, but this variety reaches its full potential when planted in the ground. Use a deep, heavy, well-draining pot with a quality substrate that does not remain waterlogged. More regular watering will be necessary in a pot, particularly during hot periods, and winter protection for the container is recommended to limit freeze-thaw cycles around the roots.

Seasonal care

In spring, remove dead, damaged, or misplaced branches to maintain a balanced structure. Light pruning can be done after flowering or in early summer to control the shape, especially if the plant is used as a free-standing hedge or screen. A light fertilizer in spring can support growth, but this variety generally does not need abundant fertilization when planted in suitable soil.

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone

Zone 2

Exposure

Sun to partial shade

Watering

Moderate watering

Humidity

Moderate, with good drought tolerance once established

Fertilization

Slow-release fertilizer 14-7-14 or 4-2-8. Fertilize monthly or as directed on the bag. Add Myke at planting.

Soil type

Well-drained, tolerant of poor, dry or slightly chalky soils

Soil pH

Acid to alkali

Minimum temperature

'-40°C

Propagation method

Grafting, cutting or seeding depending on the production method

Blooming period

Spring

Flower color

White

Fruiting

Decorative red samaras in summer

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Obsolete

Shape

Tree-like

Height

5 to 6 m (16 to 20 feet)

Width

4 m (13 feet)

Growth rate

fast

Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants

Dogwood, ninebark, spirea, potentilla, ornamental grasses

Plants to avoid

No particular enemy plants

Spacing

4 to 5 m (13 to 16 ft)

Pets

Pollinators

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.