The Japanese maple, Acer palmatum, has been cultivated in Japan for centuries, with numerous cultivars selected for their diverse forms, colors, and leaf shapes. The ‘Fireglow’ cultivar is relatively recent in the long history of Japanese maples. ‘Fireglow’ was developed in Italy by the Fratelli Gilardelli Nursery in the 1970s. It was selected for its brilliant red foliage that retains its color well throughout the summer. The name ‘Fireglow’ reflects the tree’s vibrant, fiery red leaves that seem to glow when backlit by the sun.
Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’ is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows to a height and width of 12-15 feet. In terms of growth rate, ‘Fireglow’ Japanese Maple is relatively vigorous. After a decade, ‘Fireglow’ typically reaches 8-10 feet in both height and width, growing at a rate of 0.5-1 feet annually. In contrast, other varieties of Japanese Maple, like the Bloodgood, grow larger, reaching 15-20 feet in height and about the same or slightly more in width after ten years, with an annual growth exceeding one foot.
The leaves of ‘Fireglow’ emerge in spring with a pinkish-red color, gradually deepening to a rich, dark red as they mature. The leaves are palmately lobed, with each lobe tapering to a point, and they maintain their color well into the summer months. In autumn, the foliage turns a fiery red, often with shades of orange and yellow, providing a spectacular display of fall color. The leaves are typically 2 to 4 inches long and about the same width, with 5 to 7 pointed lobes. The tree also produces small, attractive purple flowers in spring followed by winged red fruits in autumn.
The flowers emerge in spring, before or at the same time as the leaves. They are small and usually appear in clusters, with each flower having five petals. The flowers are a soft purple color, which contrasts beautifully with the vibrant red, green, and purple foliage. After the flowers fade, the maple produces winged red fruits, also known as samaras, in the fall. These fruits are another attractive feature of the plant, adding a pop of color to the garden as the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and purple.
Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’ is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. This means it can withstand winter temperatures down to -20°F (-29°C) and is generally suitable for regions with moderate to cold winters.
When planting, it’s important to make a small incision or remove a strip of bark about 2-3 inches long from the chosen branch to encourage root development. After the new plant has established a good root system and shows healthy growth, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground in its desired location. For ‘Fireglow’, an ideal pot size is 18-24 inches in diameter. During repotting, which should be done every 2-3 years, move to a pot 2 inches larger.
Uses of Fireglow Japanese Maple
- Garden Focal Point: The red foliage and globe-shaped form make it an excellent choice as a focal point in gardens. Its striking appearance can be highlighted in the center of a front yard or as an anchor in a garden bed, drawing attention and creating visual interest.
- Container Planting: Due to its moderate size and growth rate, it is well-suited for growing in containers. It can be used as a ‘thriller’ in container gardens, surrounded by smaller plants that spill over the edges, creating a balanced and attractive display.
- Shading Small Spaces: The broad crown of Fireglow in maturity makes it suitable for shading small courtyards and patios. Its dense foliage provides effective shade, enhancing the comfort of outdoor spaces during summer.
- Accent Plant: It can be used to add a pop of color and texture to different parts of a landscape. Its rich red foliage contrasts beautifully with other plants, making it a standout feature in rock gardens or near water features.
- Softening Hardscapes: Planting near the foundation of a home or near walls can soften the lines of these structures, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the building and the surrounding landscape.
- Combination Plantings: It pairs well with a variety of other plants, including evergreens and flowering shrubs. It can be used in mixed plantings to create layered, visually interesting garden beds.
- Seasonal Interest: The changing colors of Fireglow’s foliage provide seasonal interest. From the pinky-red of spring to the deep green heavily flushed with dark red in summer, and finally to the purple-red in fall, Fireglow offers a dynamic visual experience throughout the year.
Pruning Acer palmatum ‘Fireglow’
- Timing: The best time to prune ‘Fireglow’ is during the dormant season, which is typically from late winter to early spring (November to March). Pruning during this period minimizes the risk of sap bleeding from pruning cuts.
- Tools: Use sharp, clean pruning tools to make precise cuts. Hand pruners are suitable for branches up to 1/4 inch in diameter, loppers for branches up to 2 inches, and a pruning saw for anything larger.
- Technique: Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, thin out the canopy by removing crossing or overly congested branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. You can also prune to maintain the desired shape and size of the tree.
- Structural Pruning: In the first few years, focus on developing a strong central leader and well-spaced branches. Remove any competing leaders and branches that grow downward or inward.
- Fine Pruning: After the tree has leafed out in late spring, you can perform fine pruning to remove any small, twiggy growth and maintain the tree’s shape.
- Sucker Removal: Regularly check for and remove any suckers that sprout from the base of the tree or from the graft union.
- Limit Pruning: Avoid removing more than 20-30% of the tree’s overall foliage in a single pruning session to prevent stress and damage.