
Acer rubrum
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to eastern North America, one of the most abundant and adaptable trees on the continent, notable for the red color it displays in multiple seasons — red buds and flowers in late winter, red leaf stems in summer, and brilliant scarlet to orange fall foliage. Small red winged samaras appear in spring, among the earliest native tree fruits to ripen. It thrives in a wide range of soils from wet lowlands to dry uplands. Starting at $49.95.
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Adaptable to full sun through partial shade. In NE Florida, full sun to partial sun produces the best form and fall color. Avoid sites with poor air circulation to reduce fungal disease pressure during the rainy season.
Red Maple tolerates wet to moderately dry soils, but performs best with consistent moisture. In NE Florida, summer drought can cause leaf scorch — mulch generously and irrigate during dry spells, particularly for young trees.
Thrives in NE Florida's acidic sandy to clay soils. Amend at planting with compost and maintain a 3–4 inch mulch ring. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving trees in early spring; avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers on Florida's sandy soils.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Red Maple is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 60-75 feet × 25-35 feet.
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.