Plant Encyclopedia

Flame Ginnala Maple

Acer ginnala ‘Flame’

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Flame Ginnala Maple, small tree with red leaves

Discover More Information On Flame Ginnala Maple

Named after its fiery red color in the fall, the Flame ginnala maple (Acer ginnala ‘Flame’) makes a beautiful landscaping tree. This low-maintenance tree will grow well in direct sun or limited sun locations. The Flame Ginnala Maple is also known by its other name: Flame Amur Maple. This small tree would look great as a hedge along a sidewalk or used as a patio tree in a container.

The Flame Ginnala Maple has been awarded the “Award of Garden Merit” by the Royal Horticultural Society of the United Kingdom.

Plant Attributes

This particular maple species is native to the forested areas of southeastern Europe and western Asia. The Flame Maple is often grown for its ornamental color. The delicate greenish-white flowers will develop in late spring. These flowers are followed by red samaras that burst into a fiery red hue during the late summer season. Once fall arrives, its leaves turn into outstanding shades of scarlet red. This deciduous tree’s leaves have a less rounded form than other maples. The delicate texture of these leaves sets this tree apart from other landscaping elements in a large yard.

This maple is a small, upright spreading tree, and it is known as a hassle-free species. As it matures, the tree can reach heights of 15 to 20 feet. The leaves of the younger trees are often three-lobed.

Landscape Use

The Flame Ginnala Maple can be used in a variety of places around your landscape. This deciduous tree makes a great ornamental piece as a shrub or a small tree. If you don’t have a lot of room in the yard, this maple tree is an excellent addition to those smaller spaces. The tall Flame maple has a spread of 15 to 20 feet, and it will develop a more rounded crown with age. These trees are often pruned into a single-stemmed tree or grown into a large shrub.

In the spring, the Flame Ginnala Maple blooms with clusters of white flowers that produce a fragrant scent. Throughout the summer, the three-inch leaves give your space a vibrant green color. Its samaras will turn a reddish hue in early summer as they fade into a light tan by the end of the season. From the leaves to samara seeds, the tree is a showstopper with its stunning scarlet autumn shades.

In addition to the color, this maple is an excellent choice for those who need a large privacy screen. The Flame Ginnala Maple is best used as a hedge or accent piece in the yard. These trees also do well in mass plantings throughout the landscape. Since the tree has a low canopy and clearance, it is suitable to plant under power lines. This tree will develop at an average rate, and you can expect the maple to grow up to two feet per year. Under ideal conditions, the Flame Ginnala Maple will live for 60 years or more.

Planting & Care

The Flame Ginnala Maple does best in full sun to partial shade, and it is recommended to plant in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. This maple species can adapt to both moist and dry areas. It is the most drought tolerant of the maple varieties. In residential or commercial locations, this tree can thrive in most environments. It is not particular to any pH or soil type. It can even survive in high-stress situations, such as city environments with urban pollution.

While this maple is a relatively low-maintenance tree, you do need some care when pruning it. The tree should only be pruned in the summer after the leaves have fully developed for the season. If the tree is pruned too early, the branches may bleed sap in the early spring.

Additional Information

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The Flame Ginnala Maple is an excellent small tree that can be grown in many different environments. This tree is great for a small garden or a foreground planting on large properties. The multi-branched tree makes a great shrub or an excellent shade tree if allowed to grow taller. With its spectacular color, you will want to add this maple to your landscape.

At Arbor Valley Nursery, we carry the Flame Ginnala Maple and other tree varieties. If you would like to order this maple or have any questions, please fill out the contact form.

Plant Features

  • Botanical name: Acer ginnala
  • All Common Names: Amur maple
  • Family (English): Soapberry (formerly Maple)
  • Family (Botanic): Sapindaceae (formerly Aceraceae)
  • Tree or Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Foliage: Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
  • Native Locale: Non-native
  • Size Range: Small tree (15-25 feet), Compact tree (10-15 feet), Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
  • Mature Height: 15-18 feet
  • Mature Width: 15-18 feet
  • Light Exposure: Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness Zones: Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Chicago), Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8
  • Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances: Occasional drought, Alkaline soil
  • Acid Soils: Tolerant
  • Alkaline Soils: Moderately Tolerant
  • Salt Spray: Moderately Tolerant
  • Soil Salt: Intolerant
  • Drought Conditions: Tolerant
  • Poor Drainage: Moderately Tolerant
  • Planting Considerations: Commonly planted
  • Ornamental Interest: Fall color, Fragrant flowers, Showy fruit, Attractive bark
  • Season of Interest: Early spring, Early fall, Mid fall
  • Flower Color & Fragrance: Fragrant, White
  • Shape or Form: Multi-stemmed, Round
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Transplants Well: Yes
  • Wildlife: Insect pollinators
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