Hefner's Red Japanese Maple

Hefner's Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Hefner's Red')

Hefner's Red Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Hefner's Red') is a vigorous red selection noted for foliage that emerges bright crimson, holds deep burgundy through summer, and finishes scarlet in fall; its upright, well branched, medium sized canopy provides dependable color and strong structure for lawns, entries, and mixed borders.

Distinctive Features

'Hefner's Red' maintains red tones longer than many red maples, with classic five to seven lobed leaves on a symmetrical framework that reads tidy in leaf and shows a clean winter silhouette.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; provide afternoon protection in hot regions.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Moderate and consistent; avoid drought and waterlogged soil.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: 12 to 18 ft tall, 10 to 14 ft wide, upright rounded habit.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Season long red foliage anchors beds and courtyards.
• Entry Gardens: Frames paths and patios with bold color.
• Mixed Borders: Contrasts with conifers and light green shrubs.
• Specimen Tree: Centerpiece for lawns and island plantings.
• Japanese Gardens: Complements stone, gravel, and water features.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep soak during dry spells to keep soil evenly moist.
• Pruning: Light structural pruning in late winter; avoid heavy midsummer cuts.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring.
• Mulching: 2 to 3 inches over the root zone to conserve moisture and regulate temperature; keep mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Provide airflow and some afternoon shade in hot sites to reduce leaf scorch; generally pest and disease resistant in well drained soil.

Why Choose Hefner's Red Japanese Maple?

• Color Staying Power: Deep burgundy holds through summer with vivid fall finish.
• Strong Structure: Balanced branching and medium stature suit many designs.
• Design Flexibility: Works as specimen, pair, or in borders.
• Four Season Appeal: Spring flush, summer presence, autumn glow, winter form.
• Reliable Performance: Consistent growth and ornamental value with modest care.

For the richest color and healthiest canopy, plant in bright light with light afternoon shade in hot climates and maintain consistent, well drained soil moisture.