Brandywine Maple Tree

Name: Brandywine Maple Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 16196
Price: 97.9 USD
Availability: InStock

Acer rubrum 'Brandywine'

Nature Hills Nursery

$97⁹⁰

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In Stock

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Plant Size

#3 Container 5-6 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the best autumn color, plant your Brandywine Maple in full sun, which means at least six hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, the signature deep red fall foliage will be significantly less intense and the growth rate will slow down.
Soil: This tree thrives in moist, slightly acidic soil but is remarkably adaptable to various textures. If you have heavy clay, incorporate organic compost at planting to improve drainage, or use a raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the root system establish deep into the soil. Once mature, the Brandywine Maple is moderately drought tolerant, though consistent moisture is key to preventing leaf scorch and ensuring a vibrant fall display. If the tree experiences prolonged dry spells without supplemental water, you may notice premature leaf drop or smaller than average leaves the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on old wood, any structural pruning should be done in late winter while the tree is still dormant to minimize sap loss and stress. Focus on removing "water sprouts" or crossing branches to maintain a clean, symmetrical canopy that allows air to flow through the center. Think of this like a routine thinning to ensure the strongest branches get the most energy, which helps the tree better withstand heavy snow or wind.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell to support new growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is highly susceptible to winter kill and can weaken the overall health of your tree.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Fabulous Fall Show Brandywine Maple Tree

Seedless Male Variety!
Incredible Red-Purple Fall Foliage Lasts a Long Time
Fast Growing Variety
Nice Symmetrical Form
Perfect, Medium-Sized Tree for Suburban Lots
Great Shade Tree
Easy Care & Widely Adaptable
Superior Pest Resistance

People just love the bold fall color of the Red Maple leaves. But they don't like the winged seeds clogging up their gutters, or the huge size of the Silver Maples.

The Brandywine Maple Tree (Acer rubrum 'Brandywine') is one of the most desirable Maples for fall color. It's consistent from year to year.

You'll love the vivid autumn color display that slowly changes from summer green to blaze orange and finally deepens into the most amazing scarlets and luscious purples. The fall color holds for several weeks, a glorious end to your growing season.

Go ahead and make your neighbors jealous! Brandywine Maple will be one of the most beautiful trees on your block or in your neighborhood. Get ready to have people slow down and stare!

Not only is the breathtaking fall color a fantastic feature, but you'll also love the pretty shape. With limbs held upright, the canopy gradually develops into a rounded oval.

You won't need to prune much to create this lovely outline, either. Brandywine grows nicely into that pleasing form all by itself!

Brandywine is easy to care for. This male selection was developed by the US National Arboretum and it does not produce any seed.

Yes, you read that right! Brandywine doesn't produce those annoying whirlybirds (maple seeds are technically called samaras). No hassles with gutter cleanout, and no baby Maple trees popping up everywhere.

It also thankfully shows superior pest resistance. Great color, and shape, no seeds or pests. Win, win, win, win! No wonder people love this tree!

Brandywine also has sterile red flowers in spring and the new leaves are red-tinged which stands out! The lovely, smooth, light-gray bark when young transforms to a deeper gray as it grows. The branch structure is well-balanced and looks good in wintertime.

If you have a suburban lot, you're in luck. The Brandywine Maple is not too large or too small. This medium-sized tree is an ideal choice for modern yards.

Order yours today to start your journey with this delightful and attractive tree! We sell out of this popular seedless variety each year. Don't hesitate, or you might miss out.

Are we out of stock? Be sure to put your email down to receive a notification when the next crop is prepped and ready.

How to Use Brandywine Maple Tree in the Landscape

This is the perfect lawn tree or specimen. Plant it where you'll see it from your deck, or from your windows.

Plant it at least 30 feet away from sidewalks and driveways. Maple roots are shallow, so give them the space they need to spread out and support your Brandywine.

Why not use it as an anchor in a planting bed near a rustic outdoor entertainment area? Add a fire pit, a hammock stand, and several hammock chairs. Underplant your tree with evergreen shrubs and Ornamental Grasses for an outstanding display.

Add several to a mixed shelterbelt or wind,break for a gorgeous fall display. Use one near the edge of a pond to catch that magnificent reflection.

If you have the room, consider planting an informal grove of 3, 5 or 7 trees. Use a loose zig-zag, and vary the spacing between trees from 12 to 20 feet for the most natural look. Leave room for a nature path between two of your trees.

Add a special bench seating arrangement nearby! We hope you'll be inspired by this beautiful deciduous tree in your space. Give it room to grow, and you'll be thrilled with it.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Give Brandywine Maple full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. The more sun, the more color!

This easy-care selection of Red Maple prefers deep, rich, moist soil. Ideally, the soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic.

If you have heavy soil that holds water for extended periods of time, create a mound by heaping additional soil 18 inches tall by 3 feet wide. You can plant directly in that mound. Edge your mound to create a raised bed, if you prefer.

Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch to young trees, and spread it 3 feet outside the canopy. Pull the mulch away from the tree trunk by several inches. You'll easily keep the root systems nice and cool and slowly work to improve your soil.

Provide a moderate amount of water on a regular basis. You'll need to add supplemental water if you don't receive enough rainfall.

Prune just after it leaves out in spring if needed. This will prevent sap from dripping.

Enjoy that amazing, long-lasting red and purple fall color. What more could one want in a Maple? How about no seeds and a fantastic form?

Order your Brandywine Maple Tree today!

Botanical Name

Acer rubrum 'Brandywine'
Class
- Sapindales
Species

rubrum
Cultivar

Brandywine
Growing Zones

4-8
Height

40 ft
Width

30 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color
- Red
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
- Orange
Fall Color

Orange, Red, Purple
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Brandywine Maple produce helicopter seeds or samaras?

No, Brandywine Maple does not produce helicopter seeds (samaras). This seedless male variety was specifically developed by the US National Arboretum to eliminate the messy winged seeds that clog gutters and create volunteer seedlings. You can enjoy beautiful fall color without any cleanup hassles.

What are the soil requirements for planting a Brandywine Maple, including pH preferences?

Brandywine Maple adapts to most soil types and thrives in pH ranges from 6.0-7.5. It tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils as long as drainage is adequate. Plant in well-draining soil and you'll have success with this widely adaptable variety available at naturehills.com.

How much sun exposure does the Brandywine Maple need?

Brandywine Maple thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fall color development. More sun exposure will produce the most vibrant red-purple autumn display. Plant in a location with morning sun and some afternoon protection in hot climates.

What is the growth rate of the Brandywine Maple, and how fast does it reach maturity?

Brandywine Maple is a fast-growing variety that typically adds 1-2 feet per year under good conditions. This moderate to fast growth rate allows it to reach its mature height of 35-50 feet within 15-20 years. Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil for optimal growth rates.

Does the Brandywine Maple have any common pests or diseases, like leaf hoppers?

The Brandywine Maple shows superior pest resistance compared to other maple varieties. This cultivar was specifically developed by the US National Arboretum for improved disease tolerance. You'll have fewer pest issues with this selection, available at naturehills.com.

Can the Brandywine Maple tolerate wet or dry soil conditions?

Brandywine Maple is widely adaptable and handles various soil moisture conditions well. This resilient Red Maple cultivar tolerates both occasional wet periods and moderate drought once established. Plant in well-draining soil and water regularly the first year to develop a strong root system.

When is the best time to plant a Brandywine Maple, and how should it be pruned?

Plant Brandywine Maple in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. This tree naturally develops its beautiful rounded oval shape with minimal intervention. Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches during dormancy in late winter.