October Glory® Red Maple Tree

Acer rubrum 'PNI 0268'

$144⁹⁹

In Stock
Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™

Plant Size

#3 Container 4-5 Feet #5 Container 4-5 Feet

Product variants

Plant Sentry™

Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.

This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.

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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From	To	S&H
$0	$19.99	$24.99
$20	$49.99	$29.99
$50	$69.99	$34.99
$70	$99.99	$39.99
$100	$129.99	$44.99
$130	$149.99	$48.99
$150	$150+	Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Highlights

October Glory® Red Maple Tree highlights at a glance!

Specifications

Brand

Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name

Acer rubrum 'PNI 0268'
Growing Zones

4-9
Mature Height

40 - 50 feet
Mature Spread

30 - 40 feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Moisture

Moderate
Soil

Widely Adaptable
Growth Rate

Fast
Flower Color

Red
Fall Color

Red, Orange, Yellow
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pruning Time

Early Spring
Bloom Period

Early Spring

Growing Zones 4-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Outstanding Fall Color October Glory® Red Maple Tree

For a magnificent display of radiant fall color that lasts nearly a month, take a good look at the beautiful October Glory® Red Maple (Acer rubrum 'PNI 0268'). It's widely adaptable across the United States and will perform for you year after year - even if the climate is mild.

The October Glory® Maple is one of the most popular Maples for many reasons. It's well-known for its fantastic fall color. As well, the tree's ability to adapt and perform in a wide range of climate conditions is another outstanding feature.

For several weeks, you'll be treated to one of the most vibrant displays of any tree in your neighborhood. In fact, the fall display of orange, yellow and red leaves lasts far longer than many other Maples.

It would look spectacular in your yard as a central focus, or equally at home near other plantings due to its upward growth. It can grow 2 feet a year - or more!

Because every tree produced is a clone of the parent, they have a uniform and consistent look. Imagine a nice, neat row of October Glory® lining your drive or planted along the fence line. You'll love this formal look in your landscape.

This hard-working, gorgeous tree will bring you so much joy! You may not notice the tiny red flowers in spring, but your local butterflies will. Dark green leaves drape the branches all summer long and cast a wonderfully lush shade. Then the entrancing fall color display starts and keeps going and going. You'll love this tree.

For a carefree, rapid-growth Maple that features vibrant color, you can't do better than the October Glory® Red Maple tree. Order today!

Reliable Fall Color Even in Western States

Western homeowners take heart. You don't have to be left out of the cozy spirit of fall. October Glory® is known for its ability to give a tremendous fall color display, even in the warmer climates of the western states.

Other Red Maples need constant lowering temperatures in fall to ensure good fall color. But the October Glory® Maple dependably puts on a wonderful explosion of orange, yellow, and red, in even the mildest fall conditions.

Beautiful Color Even in Mild Climates
Reliable Performer
Glowing Orange to Red Foliage in Fall
Fast Growing
Hardy & Adaptable
Lawn Tree, Shade, Fall Color Specimen & Wildlife-Friendly

How to Use October Glory® in the Landscape

This tree is a great choice for those looking for a formal landscape tree. Rapid growth, reliability, and enduring fall color make it a perfect specimen tree.

This is an incredible shade tree in the lawn. You do need to be aware that the trunk is sensitive to weed eater damage as a young tree. It can be severely set back due to weed-eater contact. Ring with a buffer zone of mulch that benefits the tree in more ways than one, or use a tree collar for protection.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Great results come from selecting an appropriate planting site. Plant in full sun for best results. Give your tree at least 20 feet of space away from driveways, walkways, or patios.

October Glory® requires fast-draining soils. For a Maple, it's actually surprisingly tolerant to periodically wet locations - as long as the drainage is good. It won't grow in standing water.

Provide a consistent schedule of moisture, especially when the tree is first planted. Give it more water during heat spikes.

When planted in an open space, add 3 to 4 inches of mulch spread out to 3 feet outside of the canopy. This will keep the root system cool during a hot summer.

Because it prefers slightly acidic soil, feed it with an acidic fertilizer, such as Dr. Earth Acid Lover in the spring. Prune just after it leafs out in spring so the cuts don't drip sap.

Most importantly, love this tree with its amazing fall show. Order your October Glory® Maple Tree at NatureHills.com today!

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

Great!

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

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

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

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.