Amur Maple Flame

Amur Maple Flame (Acer ginnala ‘Flame’) is a seed-grown selection chosen for its improved habit and consistent fall colour. It forms a small, low tree or a large, multi-stemmed shrub with spreading branches and a rounded crown, growing to about 6 m in height and width. The slender, trilobed, toothed medium-green leaves turn brilliant orange-red to deep red early in autumn. Small, fragrant cream flowers appear with the young leaves, followed by numerous reddish samaras. As the lineage is propagated from selected seedlings, some variation between plants remains normal.

Very hardy in Zone 2, Flame prefers sun but tolerates light partial shade. Provide it with loose, fresh to moderately dry, well-drained soil; it adapts to loam, structured clay, amended sand, and some alkalinity. Once established, it tolerates urban heat, some salt, and occasional drought, but does not like standing water. Keep the root collar visible, spread 5 to 8 cm of mulch without touching the stems, and water deeply during the first two seasons. Analyze the soil before fertilizing: a surface compost is often sufficient.

Use Flame as a small specimen tree, a light screen, or a large lawn shrub, but only away from woodlands, banks, and other natural environments. Amur maple is a non-native Asian species that produces many viable seeds, escapes from gardens in Ontario, and is regulated in some North American regions. Check local regulations before planting, monitor for samaras, and remove volunteer seedlings; near a natural environment, choose a native tree or shrub adapted to the site instead. For an existing specimen, maintain an open framework, eliminate undesirable suckers, and avoid frequent shearing, which stimulates dense regrowth.