Acer rubrum 'Summer Red'

Summer Red Maple

Acer rubrum ‘Summer Red’ is a distinctive red maple cultivar valued for its reddish summer foliage and excellent cold hardiness. Unlike many red maples that turn fully green in summer, ‘Summer Red’ retains bronze-red to reddish-green tones throughout the growing season, giving it multi-season appeal.

Spring brings red flowers, followed by foliage that emerges red-bronze, then settles into its characteristic summer coloration. In fall, the tree finishes strong with bright scarlet to crimson-red color, often vivid and consistent even in northern climates. The growth habit is upright to oval-rounded, forming a well-structured medium-sized shade tree.

‘Summer Red’ performs best in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soils, including moist and northern sites. It is especially valued for its cold tolerance and unique summer color retention.

Size



Width: 25-30 ft



Height: 45–50 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 3–7



Best Uses


Medium shade tree for northern landscapes



Residential lawns and parks



Fall color focal point



Native and naturalized plantings



Landscapes needing summer foliage interest

Plant type

Shade Tree, Street Tree

Height

45-50'

Width

25-35'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Maroon, Red

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Provide Shade

Shape

Broad Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes

10-year height

10'

10-year width

15'