Acer rubrum 'Scanlon'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Full sun brings the best autumn colour, while partial shade helps in hotter regions to reduce leaf scorch.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils but will adapt to a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay, provided drainage is good.

• pH Range: Best growth in soils with a pH between 5.5–6.5. Avoid highly alkaline soils to prevent chlorosis (leaf yellowing).

• Moisture Needs: Appreciates consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Not drought-tolerant in early years.

• Planting Time: Best planted in autumn or early spring, when soil is workable and temperatures are mild.

• Spacing: Allow 6–8 metres from other large trees or buildings to accommodate the upright, oval crown.

• Positioning Tips: Excellent for avenues, driveways, and large gardens, where its upright form and vibrant autumn foliage make a strong statement.

• Wind Tolerance: Reasonably tolerant but benefits from a sheltered site in areas with strong, drying winds.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water deeply and regularly during the first 2–3 years to help establish a strong root system.

  • Mature trees are moderately drought-tolerant but still benefit from watering during prolonged dry weather.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Mulch with organic matter annually to improve soil condition and retain moisture.

• Pruning:

  • Prune in mid-summer to avoid sap bleeding.

  • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain form and health.

  • Minimal shaping required, as ‘Scanlon’ naturally grows in a dense, upright habit.

• Mulching: Spread a 5–8 cm layer of mulch around the base each spring, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. May occasionally encounter aphids, scale insects, or leaf spot, which are rarely serious.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy in UK and Irish climates. Young trees may benefit from staking in exposed sites until well rooted.

• Root Considerations: Has a moderately strong root system—avoid planting too close to buildings, pavements, or underground services.

Seasonal Interest, Ornamental Value, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Large, three- to five-lobed green leaves turn brilliant shades of red, crimson, and orange in autumn, creating a dramatic seasonal display.

• Flowering: Produces small clusters of red flowers in early spring before leaves emerge, adding subtle seasonal interest.

• Fruit: Winged seed pods (samaras) develop in late spring, providing food for birds and small mammals.

• Form and Size: Naturally upright and columnar, making it ideal for narrower spaces compared to other red maples. Typically grows 12–15 metres tall with a spread of 4–6 metres.

• Wildlife Benefits: Early flowers offer nectar for pollinators; seeds and shelter benefit birds and insects.

• Ornamental Value: Highly prized for its long-lasting autumn colour, neat growth habit, and low maintenance requirements.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Perfect for driveway or avenue plantings.

  • Stunning as a specimen tree in lawns or parks.

  • Works well in formal landscapes due to its narrow, symmetrical profile.

• Longevity: A long-lived ornamental tree that, once established, provides decades of beauty and shade with minimal intervention.

• Size
  10L 150-175

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.