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Acer rubrum Sekka - Red Maple

Acer rubrum Sekka
Red Maple, Swamp Maple, Water Maple

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

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This selection of Red Maple forms a medium to large-sized tree, with a generally conical habit, or sometimes pyramidal. It is adorned with beautiful palmate foliage, divided into lobed and toothed leaves. The green leaves are slightly glossy on the upper side, while they are dull and whitish on the underside. When autumn arrives, the foliage turns a vibrant orange-red that is absolutely irresistible. This tree is very hardy and thrives in moist, non-limestone soils, preferably rich in humus.
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
10 m
Spread at maturity
6 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
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Best planting time February, October to November
Recommended planting time February to March, October to December
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Flowering time April
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Description

Acer rubrum 'Sekka' is a remarkable variety of Red Maple known for its autumn colours. The beautifully cut leaves with toothed lobes are carried by red petioles, creating a nice contrast with the bright green upper surface. Early in autumn, the foliage gradually turns into a flamboyant orange-red that catches everyone's attention in the garden, as the spectacle is magnificent. It has a moderately fast growth rate and forms a beautiful medium to large tree with a conical to pyramidal habit, more suitable for larger spaces than small gardens. It thrives in a humus-rich soil, with a slightly acidic and moist environment in summer, as well as a sunny exposure. It is also very hardy.

The Maple or Acer gives its name to the family of Aceraceae, which only includes one other genus, the Dipteronia. In some classifications, this family is integrated into the much larger Sapindaceae family. The Acer genus comprises more than 150 species, native to the entire northern hemisphere (America, Europe, and Asia). They are mainly trees, but also shrubs, such as the charming Japanese Maples. Maples are recognised by their double samara fruits, which fall and spin like helicopter blades, as well as their opposite leaves. All species are deciduous, except for Acer sempervirens (from Crete) and A. paxii (from China).
Acer rubrum, or Red Maple, is native to the eastern part of North America, where it is called Red Maple, Swamp Maple, or Marsh Maple, which indicates its water requirements. In these regions, it forms a large tree that can exceed 30 m in height, with a relatively fast growth rate in deep and moist soil, and its wood is used for furniture making. It has a straight trunk, ideal for foresters, and displays a narrow habit that widens with age. Its dark red clusters of flowers appear before the leaves, and after fertilisation, they produce fruits with two wings, each measuring 1 cm, forming an angle of 60°, also red. The lobed leaves are green on the upper side, whitish-blue on the underside, and turn into bright garnet red in autumn.
'Sekka' is a variety with a more modest development, reaching a height of 10 to 15 m at maturity, with a width of 6 to 10 m. Its annual growth rate is relatively moderate for a Red Maple, about 30 to 40 cm in height and 15 to 20 cm in width. The tree has a conical to pyramidal silhouette, with a rounded crown supported by a straight trunk with smooth grey bark, which may slightly peel with age. It flowers March-April, before the leaves, but the flowers are too inconspicuous to be truly ornamental. On the other hand, the reddish young shoots are decorative, before the palmate leaves with 3 or 5 lobes spread out. They measure from 5 to 10 cm in length and width, and with their toothed lobes, they are truly elegant. The leaf blades are carried by long red petioles, creating a lovely contrast with the bright green and slightly shiny upper surface. The underside is matte, whitish to bluish.
This tree has a certain elegance and becomes truly valuable in autumn when it takes on its end-of-season colours quite early. Gradually, the edges of the leaves begin to turn red, and then the entire leaf surface turns into an extremely vivid orange-red, to magnificent, head-turning effect.

The 'Sekka' Maple is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful trees with autumn colours, and it is also extremely hardy. Provide it with deep soil, preferably acidic, humus-bearing, and above all, moist, and it will delight you. If you have enough space, you can create a scene by planting a Ginkgo biloba 'Horizontalis' nearby, a spreading version of the famous Maidenhair Tree, which turns golden yellow in autumn. The contrast with the orange-red of 'Sekka' will be lovely. Another tree that provides a grand spectacle is Nyssa sylvatica 'Autumn Cascade', also fond of acidic, moist soils, celebrating autumn in a range of yellow, orange, red, and purple. And to also celebrate winter, add a Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis jacquemontii), whose green leaves turn yellow in autumn, leaving behind one of the whitest trunks in the plant kingdom... truly splendid!

Plant habit

Height at maturity 10 m
Spread at maturity 6 m
Habit conical, pyramidal
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time April
Inflorescence Cluster

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Acer

Species

rubrum

Cultivar

Sekka

Family

Sapindaceae

Other common names

Red Maple, Swamp Maple, Water Maple

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference 21954

Planting and care

The 'Sekka' red maple does not tolerate chalky soils, so it should be planted in acidic soil if possible, or at least neutral. In this case, make sure to enrich the planting hole with compost and ericaceous soil to mix with the existing soil. This tree prefers rich and moisture-retaining soils, especially in summer. Soak the container in a bucket for about fifteen minutes before placing it in the adequately sized planting hole (at least 60 cm on all sides, or even 80). Water generously after planting and ensure that the soil does not dry out during the growing season. Mulching above the root zone will be beneficial for maintaining soil moisture, along with regular watering in summer. Choose a well-lit and spacious location for it to grow without any hindrance. As this tree is sensitive to soil salinity, avoid planting it in areas where de-icing salt may be spread in winter.

Planting period

Best planting time February, October to November
Recommended planting time February to March, October to December

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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