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October Glory® Red Maple Tree

Acer rubrum 'PNI 0268'

  • Guaranteed Crimson Fall Color that Peaks in October, Outshining Standard Red Maples
  • Thrives in Zones 4-9
  • Grows 40-50 ft Tall, 30-40 ft Wide
  • Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
  • Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Regular price $6900
Shipping calculated at checkout.
In Stock
Outside your zone (): not guaranteed Why

Rated for zones 4 to 9. Great in a pot brought indoors for winter, or as an annual.

Houseplant: grows indoors in any zone
Will it grow in your garden?

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Native, Fast-growing, Fall Color/Interest, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant
Hardiness Zone 2a to 9b
Sunlight Full sun
Height 40-50 ft
Width 30-40 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate Fast
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color Red
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Maple
Botanical Name Acer rubrum 'PNI 0268'
Species rubrum
Cultivar PNI 0268
Class Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.
A
Anonymous (United States)
Perfect condition and great fast

Perfect condition and great fast service!

October Glory is a great choice, and it sounds like this one arrived ready to get in the ground. We appreciate you mentioning the condition and shipping speed. Enjoy watching it settle in and put on that fall color. The Nature Hills Team

M
Myleen (United States)
Looked great and still

Looked great and still does

October Glory is a hard maple to beat for fall color, and it sounds like yours is settling in nicely. Thanks for sharing that update, Myleen. We hope it keeps putting on a show for you year after year.

M
MapleFan (United States)
Healthy young maple

Leaves arrived healthy and the tree settled in after planting. Color should be lovely this fall.

Sounds like it got off to a solid start. October Glory puts on a real show once the nights cool down, so you have something worth looking forward to this fall. Thanks for sharing the update!

R
Robert (United States)
Excellent tree

The tree arrived quickly. It was healthy and closer to 6 ft tall. After three weeks it has new buds and sprouts all over. I am very happy with my new tree.

Six feet of healthy maple showing new buds after just three weeks in the ground is a great sign that it settled in well. October Glory is a reliable grower, and once it establishes you can expect that fall color to get more vivid each year. Thanks for sharing the update, Robert.

K
Kathleen (United States)
Red maple

Arrived in undamaged container, but leaves were yellow and falling off Left in pot and placed in sun with light daily water Recovered after 2 weeks Now planted fir about a week and doing Well

M
Margaret
Great!

I ordered three october glory maples. They arrived in great condition and within two months after planting them they have grew beautifully, are covered in leaves. Customer service was very nice when contacted about arrival date. If I need any more trees I will definitely go through nature hills again.

Dear Margaret,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your October Glory maples arrived safely and are thriving so beautifully in your garden. It’s always uplifting to know that our trees are contributing to your outdoor space, especially after just a couple of months. We also appreciate your kind words about our customer service – we strive to make every experience seamless and enjoyable for our customers.

If you ever need tips on tree care or want recommendations for additions to complement your maples, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a variety of resources available on our website to help ensure your new trees continue to flourish through every season.

Looking forward to supporting your gardening journey again in the future!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

M
Margaret
Great!

I ordered three october glory maples. They arrived in great condition and within two months after planting them they have grew beautifully, are covered in leaves. Customer service was very nice when contacted about arrival date. If I need any more trees I will definitely go through nature hills again.

Dear Margaret C.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your October Glory maples! We’re thrilled to hear that your trees arrived healthy and have been thriving in your garden over the last couple of months. It’s always rewarding to know our efforts in plant care and customer service make a positive difference.

If you ever need tips on enriching your soil or seasonal care advice to keep your maples vibrant all year round, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your blooming garden every step of the way!

We’re excited to assist you again whenever you’re ready to add more beauty to your outdoor space.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

S
Shelley
Where's the color

We planted our tree over five years ago and I have yet to see the beautiful color that describes this tree. I admit that it does hold its leaves until late fall, but I havent seen the brilliant color that we were looking for. Can anyone suggest a solution to get this color in the fall?

Hi Shelley,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your October Glory® Red Maple Tree. We truly appreciate you taking the time to let us know how it’s grown over the past few years. It’s wonderful to hear the tree holds its leaves late into the fall, but we completely understand your desire to see those brilliant fall colors the variety is known for!

October Glory® is famed for its vibrant red hues, but several factors can influence color intensity, such as soil quality, watering patterns, sunlight exposure, and temperature fluctuations. Here are a few tips that might help enhance the color lipid for you:
- Ensure your tree is planted in well-drained soil with enough organic matter; healthy roots support rich foliage.
- Adequate watering is important – deep watering during dry periods encourages root health, but avoid overwatering.
- October Glory® favorites full sun, ideally at least 6 hours daily, to bring out the most vivid fall colors.
- Cooler autumn nights and warm sunny days typically stimulate the change, so your local climate and seasonal variations play a role.
- Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage leafy growth over vibrant color development in fall.

If possible, a soil test could offer insight into any nutrient imbalances and guide amendments. Feel free to reach out to us for recommended fertilization schedules or assistance with watering techniques — we’re here for you!

With a little seasonal care and patience, we hope to see that stunning scarlet color light up your yard very soon.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

O
Obie
I LOVE MY TREE

WE PLANTED OUR TREE 3 YEARS AGO TO HELP SHADE OUR SUNROOM. WHEN THIS TREE SHOWS HER COLORS IT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL i"VE EVER SEEN. I CAN SEE HER FROM MY KITCHEN AND IT JUST STOPS ME IN MY TRACKS AND I HAVE TO JUST TAKE IN HER BEAUTY IM SOOO HAPPY WITH OUR CHOICE.

Hi Obie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your October Glory® Red Maple! It’s truly heartwarming to hear how your tree not only shades your sunroom but also brings such striking beauty right into your daily view from the kitchen. Those brilliant fall colors are definitely something special and it sounds like your tree has become a cherished part of your home.

As your tree grows, keep an eye on watering—especially during dry spells—and consider mulching around the base to help retain moisture and protect the roots. Pruning any dead or crowded branches in late winter will also keep your maple healthy and thriving. If you ever want tips on enhancing color vibrancy or maintaining tree health, we’re always here to help!

Enjoy every colorful moment with your stunning tree, and thanks again for letting us be part of your planting journey.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

M
Mark
Beautiful Tree

I planted this tree around six years ago near my new home but found it to be rather slow growing. The tree was unimpressive so four years ago I transplanted it along a wood line in some poor soil which borders a side of my property and pretty much forgot about it. A few weeks back I noticed that this tree had transformed itself into the most beautiful red tree I have ever seen. I generally travel to the mountains ever fall to view the leaf change and must say that this little tree rivals the colors I have seen in both North Carolina and Vermont. I have since purchased three more of these beauties and will give them all the attention they deserve in anticipation of the fall color show they can produce.

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with the October Glory® Red Maple! We truly appreciate you taking the time to let us know how this tree has grown on you – both literally and figuratively. It’s wonderful to hear that relocating it near the wood line helped it thrive despite the challenging soil conditions.

Your observation about its slow initial growth is a valuable reminder that many trees, especially maples, can take some time to establish strong roots before a true flourish becomes visible. Since you’ve moved your new trees to more attentive spots, be sure to keep an eye on consistent watering during the hotter months and consider a layer of mulch to improve soil moisture and nutrient retention. If your soil still poses challenges, using soil amendments or compost during planting can make a difference too.

The comparison you’ve made with the bright mountain foliage in North Carolina and Vermont fills us with joy—autumn truly highlights Nature Hills’ awesome artistry! We’re thrilled those hits of vivid red will be gracing your property, and we know you have many seasonal adventures ahead with your growing maple family.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d ever like tips on caring for maples or anything else to keep your trees happy.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

C
Chris
October Glory

Besides being a hardy, medium to fast growing shade tree, this tree is excellent for fall color. In most years the fall color which starts in early to mid october and lasts into mid november is about the brightest red that you will ever see. Its so bright that it almost hurts your eyes! The color starts changing to a dull maroon color and you might be fooled into thinking the color will stay dull, but wait about another week or two and you will see the leaves turn to a very bright red color. I have actually had some people stop at my house and ask me what kind of tree this was. The color is that spectactular. I have 3 of these trees and they have always turned bright red with a little orange mixed in sometimes. I have never seen them turn yellow. I dont know how warmer or colder climates will affect the fall color but where I live in zone 7 the color has always been fantastic!

Hi Chris,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the October Glory® Red Maple! It’s fantastic to hear how vivid and striking the fall colors are in your Zone 7 location—you’ve painted such a vibrant picture of their transformation! Your descriptions really highlight what makes this tree a favorite, especially the surprise bright red hues following that brief maroon phase. It’s neat that your beautifully colored maples have even caught the eye of visitors!

Your insight about not seeing yellow in your maples aligns with many observations, since October Glory® typically favors red and orange tones in fall. Climate can indeed influence color intensity, so for others curious, fall color may vary in different zones but this tree is known to put on an excellent display. For the best color, make sure your trees are planted in a spot they enjoy full sun with well-drained soil and are watered adequately, especially during dry spells.

If you’re interested, you can check out our blog on fall tree care for more tips on helping your maples shine year after year. And of course, we’re always here if you have questions about pruning, feeding, or anything else related to October Glory® or other favorites in your yard.

Thanks again, Chris! Your dedication to these striking maples definitely makes your outdoor space special.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

S
Shelley
Where‘s the color

We planted our tree over five years ago and I have yet to see the beautiful color that describes this tree. I admit that it does hold its leaves until late fall, but I havent seen the brilliant color that we were looking for. Can anyone suggest a solution to get this color in the fall? Answer from Nature Hills: Leaf color is dependent on several factors, most of which cannot be artificially supplied. Temperature, sunlight, and soil moisture greatly influence the quality of the fall foliage display. The range and intensity of autumn colors is greatly influenced by the weather. Low temperatures destroy chlorophyll, and if they stay above freezing, promote the formation of anthocyanins. Bright sunshine also destroys chlorophyll and enhances anthocyanin production. Dry weather, by increasing sugar concentration in sap, also increases the amount of anthocyanin. So the brightest autumn colors are produced when dry, sunny days are followed by cool, dry nights. So your colors may be quite different from year to year.

Dear Shelley,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your October Glory® Red Maple Tree. We truly appreciate your feedback and understand how the vibrant fall color is such an anticipated part of this tree’s charm.

You are correct that the color display of this maple largely depends on external conditions like temperature, sunlight, and soil moisture, which can vary each season – sometimes leading to less brilliant color than expected. Being in one spot for five years gives the tree time to settle in, but local weather patterns can greatly influence the intensity of fall pigment development.

To help promote the vivid hues you’re hoping for, here are a few suggestions: ensuring your tree has ample sunlight (at least six hours a day), avoiding excessive watering in late summer (since drier conditions can contribute to more intense color), and considering mulching gently to help regulate soil moisture fluctuations. Also, as fall approaches, protection from strong winds and fostering healthy overall growth posture often encourage lazier, deeper-rich coloration.

For further insight, we’ve found these guides on plants’ fall color physiology helpful and would be happy to share more personalized advice based on your local growing environment.

Thank you again for planting with us and taking such care of your Red Maple — may next season surprise you with the brilliant fall display you’re seeking!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

M
Mr.
awesome fall color

I planted 2 october glory maples 3 years ago, I wish I would have planted more. The fall color of this tree is a very intense red! It holds its leaves late into the year. The growth rate is incredible, both diameter and height. I am already getting shade in a once hot and sunny area of my yard.

Dear Mr. S.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your October Glory® Red Maple Trees! It’s truly rewarding to hear how much you love the vibrant fall color and the impressive growth of these trees over the past three years. Those intense reds and late-holding leaves really do make a dramatic statement, and it sounds like they’re already transforming your sunny yard into a cooler, more shaded retreat—exactly what these trees were meant to do!

If you’re thinking about adding more to your landscape, keep in mind that October Glory® maples are wonderful for creating quick shade and stunning autumn interest. To maintain their health and maximize fall color intensity, be sure to water deeply during dry spells and consider mulching to conserve moisture. Also, planting in well-draining soil and avoiding locations with harsh wind can help keep your maples thriving.

Should you ever want tips on how to pair your maples with complimentary underplantings or need advice on seasonal care, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Happy to hear your trees continue to bring you so much joy!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

M
Marly
Shade

Our back yard is quite shady and we have had a hard time finding a plant that performs well there. This Kerria has done well so far...love the spring flowers too!

H
Harry
Shade tree

October Glory trees are great shade trees. They are nice and thick when all leafed out.

Hi Harry,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your October Glory® Red Maple Tree! We’re delighted to hear you appreciate its full, dense canopy and that it’s providing such perfect shade. These trees truly bring vibrant color and welcoming cover to any space once they’re fully leafed out.

If you ever have any questions about pruning for shape or maintaining optimal health throughout the seasons, feel free to reach out—we're always happy to help your maple thrive. And for extra vibrant fall color, ensuring your tree has adequate water leading into autumn can make a big difference.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

H
Harry
Shade tree

October Glory trees are great shade trees. They are nice and thick when all leafed out.

Hello Harry,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the October Glory® Red Maple tree! We're delighted to hear that you appreciate its thick, lush foliage and excellent shade—these qualities certainly make it a popular choice for creating a comfortable and beautiful outdoor space.

If you ever want tips on extending the tree’s vibrant color or maintaining its health through different seasons, feel free to reach out. Ensuring proper watering during dry spells and adding mulch around the base can really help support a thriving canopy. We also have detailed care guides on our site that might be helpful whenever you’d like some extra advice.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

S
Strwberry
The birds will flock to the small, elongated red fruits that accompany the flowers. Glossy green ...

This Red Maple (Acer rubrum October Glory) is known for its rapid growth and enduring fall color. In fact, its October Glory display of orange-red leaves lasts far longer than many other Maples.

Hello Strawberry M.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful observations about the October Glory® Red Maple! We're thrilled to hear that you’ve noticed its beautiful fruit attracting birds and the striking glossy leaves with their subtle reddish tint—the kind of details that make this tree such a special addition to any garden. Its long-lasting vibrant fall colors truly do make it stand out, and it sounds like your tree is flourishing beautifully.

If you're looking to enhance the bird-friendly appeal further, consider providing a water source nearby during the warmer months; birds are sure to appreciate it! Also, regular mulching and consistent watering will keep your October Glory® healthy and help maintain that stunning autumn display year after year.

Should you have any questions as you continue caring for your maple or want tips on companion plants that enhance your garden’s habitat, we’re always here to help.

To greener days ahead,
Nature Hills Customer Care & Plant Support

S
Strwberry
The birds will flock to the small, elongated red fruits that accompany the flowers. Glossy green ...

This Red Maple (Acer rubrum October Glory) is known for its rapid growth and enduring fall color. In fact, its October Glory display of orange-red leaves lasts far longer than many other Maples.

Hello Strwberry Colored Mapple,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the October Glory® Red Maple! We’re thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying the vibrant fall colors and the charming little red fruits that attract birds to your garden. The glossy green leaves with their subtle reddish hints really add a beautiful depth to the tree’s appearance throughout the seasons.

Your observation about its lasting orange-red fall display is spot on—this resilient tree is indeed favored for brightening landscapes well into autumn. If you’re aiming to maximize the health and color retention of your maple, consider watering it deeply but infrequently, especially during dry spells, and mulching around the base to conserve moisture and maintain soil warmth. Regular pruning in late winter can also improve overall structure and air circulation.

We’re so glad the October Glory® Red Maple has found a special place in your garden and yolk your love of nature—with all those friendly birds adding their presence, your yard sounds absolutely lively! Should you have any questions about care or want tips on pairing this beautiful tree with complementary plants, we’re here to assist.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

P
Perry
Shade

October Glory trees develop quite dense shade and I am looking for it to shade the south side of my house to help lower my electricity costs in the summer. It is really thickly foliaged now, it just needs to get a little taller to make a difference, I hope.

Hi Perry,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts about your October Glory® Red Maple! We’re delighted to hear that its dense, vibrant foliage is already making an impact and that it's on its way to providing the perfect shade for the south side of your house. You’re exactly right—the fuller canopy of October Glory does help block those intense summer rays, which should contribute to lowering your energy bills as it grows taller and more established.

In the meantime, to give your tree the best chance at steady growth, ensure it’s getting adequate water (especially during dry spells) and consider mulching around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots. With the right care, you’ll be enjoying that cooling shade soon!

If you ever need tips on tree care or shade-friendly companion plants, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

P
Perry
Shade

October Glory trees develop quite dense shade and I am looking for it to shade the south side of my house to help lower my electricity costs in the summer. It is really thickly foliaged now, it just needs to get a little taller to make a difference, I hope.

Dear Perry,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your October Glory® Red Maple Tree! We’re delighted to hear that its dense foliage is already starting to extend shade—exactly what makes this tree such a wonderful choice for cooling your home. As it's still growing taller, you’re on the right track to achieving even more effective shade on the south side of your house, which can definitely contribute to lowering your summer electricity costs.

To help maximize its shade impact as your tree grows, make sure it receives plenty of consistent watering—especially in the first few years—to support steady height growth. Also, maintaining a good mulch layer around the base will retain soil moisture and promote healthy roots. If you’d ever like tailored advice for your zone or seasonal care tips, feel free to reach out; we’re happy to offer detailed guidance to keep your October Glory® thriving.

Thank you again for your insights and for trusting Nature Hills for your plant needs.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is the October Glory Red Maple hardy in?

  • October Glory Red Maple is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. This adaptable tree performs well across a wide range of climates, including milder western states where other red maples struggle with fall color. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best results.

What is the growth rate of the October Glory Red Maple?

  • The October Glory Red Maple grows 2 feet per year or more, making it one of the faster-growing maple varieties. This rapid growth rate means you'll enjoy its spectacular fall display sooner than with slower-growing trees. For quick results in your landscape, shop this reliable performer at naturehills.com.

What kind of soil does the October Glory Red Maple prefer, and does it tolerate clay or poor soil?

  • October Glory Red Maple adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, including clay and poor soils. This adaptable tree performs well across diverse climate conditions throughout the United States. For best results, ensure adequate drainage and give it room to grow 2+ feet annually.

How much watering does the October Glory Red Maple need, especially when young or in drought?

  • Young October Glory Red Maples need consistent moisture for the first 2-3 years to establish their fast 2+ foot annual growth. Once established, they're quite drought tolerant thanks to their adaptable nature. Water deeply once weekly during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.

What are the fall color details for the October Glory Red Maple—does it reliably turn red?

  • October Glory Red Maple displays vibrant orange, yellow and red fall color that lasts nearly a month. Unlike other red maples, it reliably produces excellent fall color even in warmer western climates without needing consistent cold temperatures. Shop at Nature Hills for this dependable fall performer.

How should I prune the October Glory Red Maple, and when is the best time?

  • Prune October Glory Red Maple during dormancy in late winter to early spring before buds break. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and thin crowded areas to maintain the tree's natural upward growth habit. Avoid heavy pruning since this fast grower can put on 2+ feet annually.

What is the shipping time and does it arrive healthy with leaves or dormant?

  • October Glory Red Maples ship based on your planting zone and season, typically arriving dormant in late fall through early spring for best establishment. Trees may arrive with or without leaves depending on shipping timing and dormancy status. Plant immediately upon arrival or heel in temporarily if ground isn't ready.