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Small ornamental deciduous tree
Sapindaceae
Petit érable rustique à samares rouge rubis
Amur Maple Ruby Slippers
Tatarian maple
Ruby Slippers is a compact Amur maple with regular branching, a strong central leader, and an oval crown. Its abundant samaras turn ruby red in late spring, then its dark green foliage turns yellow, orange, and red in autumn. The tree reaches about 6 m (20 ft) tall and 5 to 6 m (16 to 20 ft) wide, and is suitable as a specimen or small lawn tree. Hardy in zone 3, it prefers sun or partial shade and cool, well-drained, slightly acidic to alkaline soil. It tolerates some drought once established. As the species is Asian and produces many seeds, remove any volunteer seedlings near natural environments.
- Exposure
- Sun in partial shade; full sun promotes the coloring of the samaras and autumnal foliage
- Hardiness
- Zone 3
Discover the plant
Common nameAmur Maple Ruby Slippers
FamilySapindaceae
GenusAcer
Speciesginnala
CultivarRuby Slippers
TypeSmall ornamental deciduous tree
Botanical nameTatarian maple
Ruby Slippers Amur Maple (Acer ginnala ‘Ruby Slippers’). (Acer ginnala ‘Ruby Slippers’) is a small deciduous tree selected for its regular branching, strong central leader, and ruby-red samaras that hang in pairs in late spring. Its three-lobed, dark green foliage turns yellow, orange, and red in autumn. Over time, its oval to rounded crown reaches about 6 m in height and 5 to 6 m in width. This intermediate size is suitable for residential lots where a large maple would be disproportionate, but its mature development still requires generous clearance.
In Quebec, plant it in sun or partial shade in loose, cool, well-drained soil. It tolerates slightly acidic to alkaline soils and some drought once well-established, but a young tree needs deep, regular watering during its first two seasons. Keep the root collar visible and apply 5 to 8 cm of mulch without touching the trunk. Zone 3 is suitable for several cold regions; however, avoid waterlogged soils, compacted pits, and snow heavily laden with salt. Surface compost is usually sufficient when the soil is adequate.
Use Ruby Slippers as a specimen tree, small lawn tree, light screen, or as part of a shrub bed. The red samaras are its distinctive feature; however, watch for spontaneous seedlings and remove them near natural environments, as the Amur maple is a non-native Asian species capable of producing many seeds. Prune only as needed when the foliage is fully deployed to limit sap flow, maintaining the leader and well-spaced branches. The ASPCA classifies the species as non-toxic to dogs and cats, but no part should be presented as edible.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Spacing / density
Space about 5 to 6 m (16 to 20 ft) for the mature crown
Best planting time
Spring or early fall, with enough time to root before frost
Propagation
Professional vegetative propagation to faithfully preserve the Ruby Slippers cultivar
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to alkaline, about 6.0 to 8.0
Minimum temperature
-40°C (-40°F)
Care level
Low to moderate
Drought tolerance
Yes
Watering
Water slowly and deeply after planting, then keep the root ball and surrounding soil evenly moist for the first two seasons. Check moisture under the mulch before watering again. Once established, Ruby Slippers tolerates moderate drought, but deep watering during prolonged dry spells protects foliage and roots. Avoid small daily waterings near the trunk and any standing water around the crown.
Soil type
Choose a loose, fertile, well-drained soil that holds consistent moisture without remaining soggy. Ruby Slippers tolerates a range from slightly acidic to alkaline once established. Loosen a wide area, place the crown at ground level, and avoid narrow pits in compacted backfill. Poor drainage, a buried root ball, or accumulated salts reduce vigor and encourage branch dieback.
Fertilization
In adequate soil, 5 to 8 cm of organic mulch and a thin layer of mature compost in the spring are usually sufficient. If growth or color appears weak, have the soil tested before adding tree fertilizer according to its label. Avoid high doses of nitrogen, products against the trunk, and late fertilization, which prolongs tender new growth before the cold weather in Quebec.
Moisture
Medium to cool; regular moisture without standing water
Seasonal care
In spring, inspect the trunk, root collar, leader, and main crotches after the snow melts. Replace 5 to 8 cm of mulch without covering the bark, remove tight ties, and water if rainfall is insufficient. Observe the flowering and samaras to confirm the cultivar's identity. In summer, check for humidity, drainage, and compaction if leaves turn pale, brown, or fall prematurely. Monitor for aphids, scale insects, leaf spots, and signs of verticillium wilt; get a diagnosis before treating. Prune only as needed when the foliage is fully developed to reduce sap flow. Remove dead, broken, diseased, or crossing wood, retain the dominant leader, and never top the crown. In autumn, water deeply before frost if the soil is dry, collect heavily spotted foliage, and look for volunteer seedlings. In winter, keep salted snow out of the root zone and protect the young trunk from rodents without tightening the guard. After a storm, have large cracks assessed by an arborist. Annually, re-establish clearance from buildings and paving without cutting large roots. Complete the landscaping with native species and remove young maples appearing near woodlands or natural areas. Note periods of drought, recurring damage, and treatments to better distinguish site stress from pest problems.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
Approximately 20 ft (6 m)
Width / spread
About 5 to 6 m (16 to 20 ft)
Flower color
Yellowish-green cream, discreet
Foliage color
Dark green in summer; yellow, orange and red in autumn
Foliage type
Obsolete
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Small tree with a central leader and an oval to rounded crown
Fragrance
Light
Bloom period
Small cream to greenish-yellow flowers appear in spring, usually in April or May depending on the region. They are inconspicuous against the samaras and foliage, but they mark the beginning of the seasonal cycle and may be visited by insects. Their abundance varies with age, weather, and site. Avoid insecticides during flowering unless a precise diagnosis justifies targeted intervention.
Fruiting
Abundant winged samaras hang in pairs in late spring and take on the ruby red hue that distinguishes Ruby Slippers. They may persist long enough to extend ornamental interest before maturing. Seeds do not guarantee a seedling identical to the cultivar. Monitor seedlings and remove them early, especially near woodlands and natural environments, to limit the spread of this non-native Asian species.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair Ruby Slippers with low-growing conifers, dogwoods, serviceberry, ninebark, weigela, sedges, and native perennials that thrive in similar drainage. Their forms and fruits complement the ruby samaras and fall color while adding local resources for wildlife. Install them towards the outer edge of the future crown without cutting roots, covering the root flare, or creating immediate competition. Avoid invasive groundcovers and large vigorous shrubs that would trap lower branches. Also, maintain clear access for deep watering.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Attracts birds
Yes
Supporting wildlife
The small spring flowers can provide for certain insects, and the samaras and crown offer occasional resources or shelter to birds. However, this non-native Asian species does not replace regional vegetation. Pair it with several layers of native plants and monitor spontaneous seedlings to preserve nearby natural environments.
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