The red maple announces its presence in early spring with a huge haze of red, produced by a myriad of tiny red flowers borne on the tips of the twigs all over the tree. This beautiful sight can be see at a distance and is one of the earliest signs of spring in many areas of the country. In a similar fashion, the brilliant red color of this red maple signal the onset of fall. ‘Schlesingeri’ is an old cultivar but one of the earliest by as much as a month.
Type: Deciduous tree.
Outstanding Feature: Very early, brilliant red autumn coloration. Leaves have white undersides, making them very attractive off the tree as well as on it.
Form: Elliptical.
Growth Rate: Fast.
Bloom: Tiny red flowers in early spring followed by red winged fruit (samaras).
Size: 50’ H x 40’ W.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Moist, average soil.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9.
Care: In areas where snow and ice storms are common, prune to encourage a strong framework with a single trunk and branches growing perpendicular to the trunk. Annually remove weak branches and those with narrow crotches at the trunk.
Pests and Diseases: No significant pests or diseases.
Propagation: Trees may be grown from seed but will vary greatly in characteristics and may not have the autumn coloration as the parent tree. Graphed trees ensures consistency.
Comment: Good subject for bonsai.
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hello. I live in N.Y. State , plant hardiness zone 5 to 6. I have a collection of Red Maple cultivars on my property for fall coloration. ” Red Sunset” turns a nice orange red but not great. “Autumn Blaze” turns a very bright red orange, quite beautiful. “October Glory” turns a very strong cherry red . I just planted “Pacific Sunset” last year and maybe this year it will be colorful. I would like to plant “Autumn Flame”, “Burgundy Bell”,and “Schlesingeri”. Where can I order these cultivars? Are there other cultivars out there that turn cherry red?
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