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Public Plant Profile

Royal Red Maple

Acer platanoides 'Royal Red'

Category: Deciduous Tree • Maple

Discover the Royal Red Maple, a stunning shade tree with vibrant red foliage, perfect for urban landscapes.

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Mature Height: 40-50 feet

Mature Width: 30-40 feet

Bloom Color: Yellow

Light: Sun

Zone: Zones 4-7

Maintenance: Moderate

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Fall

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Royal Red Maple is a stunning deciduous tree known for its vibrant red foliage in spring and fall. It provides excellent shade and is a popular choice for landscaping.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Suitable for urban environments.

Soil Preferences

Prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Adaptable to various soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Sun Needs

Sun

Watering Needs

Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to establish a strong root system.

Pruning Notes

Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Fertilizing Notes

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.

Common Issues

May be susceptible to aphids, leaf spot, and can suffer from poor growth in compacted soils.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenshade tree

Special Features

Attractive red foliageexcellent shade provider

Wildlife Value

Attracts birds and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Moderate drought tolerance.

Notes from Our Designer

Ideal for larger spaces due to its size. Provides vibrant fall color and is a great choice for urban landscaping.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Royal Red Maple may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

What Clients Say

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“We did a complete overhaul of our landscaping after moving into our new home. We removed bushes, a tree, several plants and built 2 retaining walls. Bold Outdoors spent a lot of time talking with us about what we wanted…”

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Royal Red Maple a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

Browse more plants or reach out and we will help you choose the right combination for your space.

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