Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Thinking of an October Glory Maple, 0 by HoosierGreen

HoosierGreen wrote:
Any cultivar of red maple is going to be a fairly quick-growing hardwood maple and give you wonderful fall color. The two most common on the market are 'October Glory' (grows to 40' X 35') and 'Red Sunset' (grows to 45' X 35'). 'Autumn Flame' (35' x 35') and 'Sun Valley' (40' x 35' ; is a cross between 'Red Sunset' and 'Autumn Flame') can be found, but are less common and considered not as hardy as the first two. 'Red Sunset' colors first in the fall, while 'October Glory' is still mostly green. 'October Glory' colors when 'Red Sunset' is nearly leafless. Many people plant one of each cultivar to prolong the fall foliage show.

'Autumn Blaze' (Acer X freemanii) leaves resemble those of a Silver Maple, but is very hardy and has rich green leaves that become an excellent orange-red fall color. The color persists longer than many cultivars. It is a cross between red maple and silver maple, and actually more drought tolerant than the true species of red maple. Grows up to 4 times faster than the species with a looser head of foliage, but still very attractive. Can grow at least to 50' X 40', possibly larger.

Photo is of 'Red Sunset' maple.