Amur Maple 'Flame', Acer ginnala 'Flame'

Size

Hardiness Zone 2

Difficulty level Low to moderate

FamilySapindaceae

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.

Soil and care

The rightconditions.

Soil pH Acid to alkali

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

Care level Low to moderate

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.

Container growing

A controlledenvironment.

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.

Bloom and dimensions

The completeprofile.

Bloom periodSpring

Flower colorWhite

Foliage colorGreen

Foliage typeObsolete

FruitingDecorative red samaras in summer

Maximum height5 to 6 m (16 to 20 feet)

Maximum width4 m (13 feet)

Growth ratefast

Hardiness zoneZone 2

Minimum temperature'-40°C

Garden associations

What to plantwith it.

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.