Acer rubrum October Glory, Autumn Red, Frank Jr Redpointe, April Splendour, Fairview Flame - Lipstick Maple, Canadian Maple

Stunning large deciduous shade trees prized for vivid scarlet, crimson and orange autumn foliage. Fast-growing with reliable seasonal colour and elegant canopy form perfect for feature planting and avenue landscapes.

Variety Options

October Glory:  Approx 10-12m h x 7-9m w.  This variety is the most popular and commonly grown in Australia.  Deep pinkish-red to crimson autumn colour. Colours later than other varieties. Lush green summer foliage. Rounded/oval canopy. Most reliable performer across different sites.

Frank Jr Redpointe: Approx 12m h x 9mw.  Pyramidal form with strong central leader. Striking vibrant red summer foliage - unlike other maples that stay green. Brilliant red autumn display. Exceptional for maximum colour impact.

Autumn Red or Fairview Flame:  Approx 12m h x 8 m w.  Bright orange-red autumn colour with early colour change. Rounded canopy with ascending branches when young. Leaves stay green longer before colour change. Reliable performer.  This variety is a good choice for Qld customers as it holds its colour better than others. 

April Splendour: Approx 13m h x 9m w.  Fiery red autumn foliage. Ascending branches when young, maturing to rounded/ V shaped canopy. Excellent feature tree for summer shade and dramatic autumn colour.  Very similar to Autumn Red or October Glory.

Quick Info

Height: 10–20m (variety dependent)

Width: 6–10m (rounded to pyramidal canopy)

Growth Rate: Fast

Frost Tolerance: Very hardy.   Reliable performer across cool temperate to subtropical Australian climates

Positioning: Full sun to part shade – full sun preferred for optimal autumn colour intensity

Perfect For

> Feature trees in medium to larger gardens

> Acreage properties

> Avenue and group plantings for maximum autumn impact

> Parks and public gardens requiring reliable shade and seasonal interest

> Shade trees for residential and estate properties

> Driveway and formal entrance plantings on larger properties

Plant Variety Overview

Acer rubrum, commonly known as the Canadian Maple or Lipstick Maple, is a fast-growing deciduous shade tree renowned for delivering exceptional autumn colour across a wide range of Australian climates.

The varieties most commonly available along the East Coast are October Glory, Frank Jr Redpointe, Autumn Red, April Splendour, and Fairview Flame—all are proven selections bred specifically for reliable, vivid autumn foliage and uniform growth habit.

These deciduous maples display lush deep green star-shaped foliage throughout summer before transforming into brilliant shades of orange, scarlet, crimson and deep red in autumn. The colour intensity and duration is outstanding, with leaves often remaining on the tree longer than competing maple species. 

Each variety brings subtly different characteristics: October Glory colours later with deeper crimson tones; Frank Jr Redpointe displays vibrant red summer foliage; Autumn Red and Fairview Flame colour early with bright orange-red hues; April Splendour delivers fiery red autumn display with ascending branches when young.

Why You'll Love These

> Spectacular Autumn Colour: Vivid scarlet, crimson, orange and deep red foliage—superior autumn display compared to most deciduous trees

> Reliable Performance: Proven cultivars bred for consistent colour and uniform growth across diverse climates

> Extended Colour Display: Leaves stay on tree longer than other varieties, extending autumn interest

> Fast Growth Rate: Establishes quickly to provide mature shade and presence within years

> Elegant Canopy Form: Develops natural rounded to pyramidal shape requiring minimal pruning

> Versatile Hardiness: Tolerates wide range of climates from cool temperate through subtropical regions

> Excellent Shade Provider: Dense summer canopy delivers quality shade for gardens and landscapes

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety