Red Rhapsody Amur Maple (Acer ginnala ‘Mondy’)
Also known as: Acer ginnala 'Mondy'.
The Red Rhapsody Amur Maple (Acer ginnala ‘Mondy’) serves as a distinctive and visually appealing addition to any garden, boasting striking red foliage that captivates onlookers during spring and autumn seasons. This particular maple species exhibits a relatively smaller size compared to other maple varieties, making it a suitable choice for gardens or yards with limited space. The tree demonstrates adaptability to a variety of soil conditions and can withstand temperatures as low as -34°C (-30°F). Its robust nature allows it to flourish for many years, offering valuable shade during the warm summer months. The Red Rhapsody Amur Maple is a remarkable and unique tree that promises a vivid display of color throughout the year, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden.
Interesting facts about the Red Rhapsody Amur Maple:
- Brilliant Fall Foliage: The Red Rhapsody Amur Maple is celebrated for its spectacular autumn leaves. In the fall, its foliage transforms into a striking mix of red, orange, and yellow, making it a highlight in any garden or landscape.
- Compact Size: In contrast to other maple varieties that may grow quite tall, the Red Rhapsody Amur Maple remains fairly small, reaching just 4.5 to 6 meters in height and width when fully grown. This compact size makes it an excellent selection for smaller gardens or spaces.
- Four-Season Interest: Beyond its eye-catching fall foliage, the Red Rhapsody Amur Maple provides interest throughout the year. In spring, it bears clusters of small, yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Its lush green leaves offer shade and a cooling effect in summer, while its smooth gray bark adds a distinctive texture to the winter landscape.
- Adaptable: This flexible tree is able to thrive in a broad spectrum of soil types, including clay and loam. It has moderate drought tolerance once it’s established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Fast Growing: The Red Rhapsody Amur Maple is known for its relatively quick growth rate, adding approximately 30 to 60 centimeters to its height each year. This allows you to quickly appreciate its beauty.
- Disease Resistant: As a low-maintenance option, this tree is naturally resistant to most diseases and pests, minimizing the need for extensive care or treatment.
- Wildlife Friendly: The Red Rhapsody Amur Maple serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, with its seeds feeding birds and its branches providing shelter for small animals.
Plant care guide:
Watering
Water when the top 2.5 cm of soil dries out, typically every 3-4 days in summer and every 5-7 days during spring and autumn. Avoid overwatering to prevent root issues.
Sunlight
Prefers full sun, thriving with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, ideally in the morning to afternoon. While it can handle some shade, full sun promotes the best growth and flowering.
Pruning
Annual pruning in late winter or early spring is advisable, focusing on removing dead or damaged branches to maintain health and appearance. Major pruning should be gradual, avoiding heavy cuts to preserve the tree's structure.
Plant information:
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Type: Tree
- Height: ~6.1 meters
- Cycle: Perennial
- Growth Rate: High
-
Anatomy:
- Trunk: dark-brown
- Branches: dark-brown
- Leaves: green-yellow
- Care Level: Moderate
-
Watering:
- Frequent
- Every 7-10 days
- Sunlight requirement: full sun, part shade
- Pruning:
- February, March, April
- 1 times yearly
- Propagation: Cutting, Grafting Propagation, Layering Propagation, Air Layering Propagation, Tissue Culture
- Origin: China
- Seeds: No
- Drought Tolerant: No
- Salt Tolerant: No
- Thorny: No
- Invasive: No
- Tropical: No
- Indoor: No
- Flowers: No
- Cones: No
- Fruits: No
- Edible Fruit: No
- Leaf: Yes
- Edible Leaf: No
- Cuisine: No
- Medicinal: No
- Poisonous to Humans: No
- Poisonous to Pets: No
Sources & more information:
Content is based on public databases such as the KEW Plants of the World database, among others. Please double-check all information. "About Plants" does not take responsibility for any inaccuracies.