Glowing Embers Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum ‘Glowing Embers’ is an exceptionally heat-tolerant Japanese maple selected for its vigorous growth, graceful form and brilliant fall color. Unlike many Japanese maples that struggle in the heat of the Deep South, Glowing Embers was selected in Georgia and has proven to perform well in hot, humid landscapes.

Bright reddish new growth matures to rich green foliage through summer. In fall, the leaves develop a glowing mixture of yellow, orange, red and purple—often displaying several colors on the tree at the same time. Its dense canopy and attractive branching make it an excellent specimen tree for lawns, courtyards, woodland edges and larger landscape beds.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Acer palmatum ‘Glowing Embers’
• Common Name: Glowing Embers Japanese Maple
• Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
• Mature Height: Approximately 25–35 feet
• Mature Width: Approximately 20–30 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast for a Japanese maple
• Growth Habit: Upright, spreading and densely branched
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Foliage: Green during summer with reddish new growth
• Fall Color: Yellow, orange, red and purple
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
• Soil: Moist, fertile and well-drained
• Water Needs: Moderate; water regularly while becoming established
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter and branching habitat for small birds
• Deer Resistance: No plant is completely deer-proof; young growth may need protection

North Florida Growing Note

Glowing Embers is one of the better Japanese maple varieties for North Florida and the Florida Panhandle because it tolerates heat and humidity better than many other cultivars.

Although it can grow in full sun, a location with morning sun and some protection from the hottest late-afternoon sun is safest for young trees in our area. Trees growing in full sun will need consistent moisture, a well-mulched root zone and protection from drying winds. Avoid planting in wet, poorly drained soil.

Landscape Uses

Glowing Embers Japanese Maple works well as:

• A specimen or focal-point tree
• A small to medium shade tree
• An accent near patios or entryways
• A tree for woodland borders
• A colorful addition to Japanese-style gardens
• A fall-color tree for larger landscape beds
• An ornamental tree for North Florida landscapes

Allow enough room for this cultivar to develop into a medium-sized tree. It becomes considerably larger than dwarf or laceleaf Japanese maple varieties.

Planting and Care

Plant in loose, well-drained soil and keep the root flare at or slightly above the surrounding soil level. Water deeply after planting and continue regular watering during the first growing seasons.

Apply two to three inches of mulch over the root zone, keeping the mulch several inches away from the trunk. Once established, Glowing Embers has better drought tolerance than many Japanese maples, but supplemental water is still beneficial during extended hot or dry periods.

Prune only as needed to remove damaged, crossing or poorly placed branches. Heavy pruning is generally unnecessary.

Local Pickup and Limited Shipping

Local pickup is available at our nursery in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Limited shipping may be available for select smaller plants and trees.

Please contact us before ordering if shipping is required so we can confirm availability and provide a shipping quote. Shipping charges are separate and are not included in the listed plant price.

Wholesale Availability

Wholesale availability may be offered to qualified nurseries, landscapers and other green-industry professionals. Contact Advanced Nursery Growers for current sizes, quantities and wholesale pricing.

Advanced Nursery Growers
1911 McLeod Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Call: 850-391-2228
Email: info@advancednurserygrowers.com