Amur Maple 'Flame' is a compact, cold-hardy deciduous tree native to forested regions of western Asia and southeastern Europe. This cultivar grows 15 to 20 feet tall with a dense, rounded crown, making it equally at home as a small specimen tree or multi-stemmed shrub. The broad, medium-green leaves shift through yellow and red in fall, while fragrant greenish-white flowers appear in spring followed by showy winged fruit. Hardy from zones 2 to 8, it thrives in cool climates and handles both drought and clay soils with ease, asking little from gardeners once established.
Partial Sun
Moderate
2-8
240in H x 240in W
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Moderate
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This maple's compact stature and exceptional cold hardiness make it one of the toughest ornamental trees for northern gardens. The spring flowers release a distinctive fragrance that draws pollinators, and the subsequent fruit display rivals the fall foliage show. Deer leave it alone, and its drought tolerance means you can plant it and step back, letting it handle heat, dry spells, and poor soils without complaint.
Amur Maple 'Flame' serves as a hedge plant where its dense crown provides screening and its manageable size fits narrow spaces. It naturalizes beautifully in woodland settings and performs well as a specimen tree in small gardens. Its fragrant spring flowers and wildlife appeal make it particularly valuable in gardens designed to attract birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Amur Maple 'Flame' transplants easily and can be moved in spring or fall. Space trees 15 to 20 feet apart if planting as a hedge or screen. Plant in organically rich, well-drained soil amended with compost. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture for the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
Amur Maple 'Flame' naturally develops a dense, rounded crown and requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter before growth begins. For hedge use, prune in summer to maintain a compact form and encourage denser branching. Avoid heavy pruning, which can compromise the tree's characteristic shape.
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“Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala has its roots in the cool forested landscapes stretching from western Asia to southeastern Europe. The species has long been valued in colder regions where larger maples struggle, and the 'Flame' cultivar represents a refined selection bred specifically for ornamental merit. Over generations of cultivation, this subspecies has proven itself as a reliable alternative to more temperamental maple species, particularly in regions with short growing seasons and harsh winters.”