Red maple 'Scanlon' Acer rubrum 'Scanlon'

Water

The Red Maple should be watered deeply once or twice a week during its first growing season to help establish an extensive root system. After establishment, watering can be adjusted to a general guideline of once a week, providing 1.5 to 2 gallons of water each time, depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to every 4-5 days. Reduce watering in the fall before the tree goes dormant, and during winter, only water if the soil is dry and it’s a snow-free period. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.

Light

The Red Maple thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to be planted in a location where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for the Red Maple would be one that offers morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in the hotter regions to prevent leaf scorch.

Temperature

The Red Maple is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but generally prefers areas with a temperature range of 40°F to 90°F. It can handle minimum winter temperatures down to -30°F and maximum summer temperatures up to 100°F. The ideal growing conditions for the Red Maple would be in regions with moderate temperatures that avoid extremes.

Pruning

Pruning the Red Maple is important to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is during the late winter or early spring before the sap begins to flow. Pruning should occur every 3 to 5 years to help encourage healthy growth and maintain the tree's structure. Always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Red Maple 'Scanlon' thrives in acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 4.0 to 7.0. A well-draining soil mix composed of loam, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite facilitates healthy root growth. Ensuring the soil is rich in organic matter will help maintain moisture and provide necessary nutrients.

Repotting

Red Maple 'Scanlon' trees are typically landscape plants and do not require regular repotting. However, if grown as container plants, young trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to accommodate their growing root systems.

Humidity & Misting

Red Maple 'Scanlon' prefers outdoor conditions where humidity is naturally regulated. They do not require specific humidity levels but grow well in average atmospheric humidity common in their native habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant in well-lit room, with large pot and moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in acidic soil, full sun to partial shade, mulch.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Acer rubrum 'Scanlon', commonly known as Red Maple 'Scanlon', begins its life as a dormant seed, which typically requires a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate. Once the seed germinates in spring, a seedling emerges, growing roots and a shoot that develops into a juvenile sapling. The sapling stage is characterized by rapid vertical growth and limited branching as the plant focuses on establishing a strong trunk and root system. As the tree matures, it enters the adult stage, producing a dense, columnar crown with vibrant red foliage in the fall and small red flowers in early spring, eventually leading to winged samaras (seeds). These seeds are then dispersed by wind, allowing the potential for new trees to grow in suitable environments. In its full maturity, the Red Maple 'Scanlon' can live for many decades, up to 100 years or more, and throughout this time, it periodically produces seeds to continue the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• Propogation: The Acer rubrum 'Scanlon', commonly known as the 'Scanlon' Red Maple, is best propagated through the collection and sowing of its seeds. The optimal time for this process is in the fall, immediately following seed maturity, when they can be harvested directly from the tree. Propagation via seeds involves cleaning the seeds and stratifying them by cold treatment, typically in a refrigerator, for about 60 to 90 days to break dormancy. After stratification, the seeds are sown in well-drained soil and lightly covered. They should be kept moist and in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Seedlings generally emerge in the spring and can be transplanted outdoors once they've developed a robust root system and the threat of frost has passed. Patience is key in this process, as it can take several years for a seed-grown 'Scanlon' Red Maple to reach maturity.