Pacific Fire Vine Maple

Pacific Fire Vine Maple (Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire')

Pacific Fire Vine Maple (Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire') is a compact ornamental maple grown for its elegant, multi-stem form and fiery seasonal color that brings a lively, natural look to the landscape. In spring, new growth can emerge with warm tones, then settle into fresh green foliage that creates a soft, layered canopy through summer. As temperatures cool, the leaves shift into vivid oranges and reds, delivering a bold fall finish that stands out in smaller gardens and woodland-style plantings. With its graceful habit and manageable size, Pacific Fire Vine Maple makes an excellent focal point near patios, along paths, or at the edge of a woodland bed where you can enjoy its structure and color up close.

Distinctive Features

The defining trait is the vine maple character, with a naturally branching, multi-stem silhouette that feels artistic and relaxed rather than formal. Leaves are rounded and finely lobed, creating a soft texture that pairs beautifully with ferns, shade perennials, and evergreen backdrops. Fall color is a major highlight, often developing bright, saturated tones that bring instant seasonal energy to the garden. Even after leaf drop, the branching structure can remain an attractive feature, especially when placed where it can be backlit or viewed against darker backgrounds.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Part shade is ideal; morning sun with afternoon shade helps keep foliage looking clean, especially in hotter sites.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil is ideal.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.
• Habit: Deciduous large shrub to small tree with a multi-stem, arching form.
• Mature Size: About 10 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a specimen where graceful branching and fall color can take center stage.
• Woodland Edge Planting: Perfect for naturalistic beds, shaded borders, and garden edges with layered plantings.
• Courtyard and Small Gardens: Adds a refined canopy and seasonal color without overwhelming the space.
• Pathside Feature: Plant near walkways so the leaf texture and branching can be appreciated up close.
• Evergreen Contrast Planting: Pair with dark conifers or broadleaf evergreens to make fall color glow.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during the first one to two seasons; maintain even moisture in summer for best foliage quality.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch layer over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the stems.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter to remove crossing branches and refine shape; allow the natural multi-stem form to develop.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in spring if growth is slow; organic mulch often provides enough support in good soils.
• Site Selection: Provide shelter from harsh wind and intense afternoon sun to keep foliage looking clean and reduce stress.

Why Choose Pacific Fire Vine Maple?

• Fiery Fall Color: Delivers vivid orange and red tones that bring strong seasonal impact.
• Graceful Natural Form: Multi-stem branching creates an artistic silhouette that looks designed without feeling formal.
• Perfect for Woodland Style Gardens: Soft leaf texture pairs beautifully with ferns, evergreens, and shade perennials.
• Compact, Landscape-Friendly Size: Provides canopy presence and color without taking over the space.
• Easy Focal Point Value: Adds structure, texture, and seasonal change with straightforward care.

If you want a compact ornamental maple with a graceful multi-stem form and a vivid fall color show, Pacific Fire Vine Maple delivers woodland style charm and focal point presence in a garden-friendly size.