Hot Wings® Maple Tree

Go Bright Red with this Compact Maple Tree

First discovered in a Fort Collins, Colorado nursery in 1993, the Hot Wings® Tatarian Maple Tree knows how to make an impact!

It’s known for being small and compact, drought-tolerant, and resistant to common maple tree conditions like chlorosis – all while wowing in the landscape with bright color and spring blooms.

Growing just 15-18 feet tall and wide, it is noticeably compact and does well in hard-to-plant positions, like underneath power lines. It also has a high ground clearance (up to 4 feet) and strong branches at angles that can hold up to wind, snow, and ice storms.

Perhaps the most brilliant and noteworthy feature of the Hot Wings Maple Tree is the bright red helicopter leaves (also known as samsaras) it bears in summer. The bright, vibrant red stands out and creates a beautiful contrast with the green foliage!

When it is not bearing bright red helicopters, it offers small white flowers in spring and yellow-orange color in fall. In nearly every season, it boasts a variety of brightly colored foliage sure to spruce up your landscape.

It can do well in urban environments and is hardy to many soil conditions. It welcomes squirrels and birds, and can be a great stand-alone piece or planted in a row along a property line or garden wall. Get one of your own today!

Planting & Care

Planting: Plant your Hot Wings® Tatarian Maple Tree in an area of full to partial sun. It is not overly picky about soil conditions and is known for being drought tolerant. One thing to bear in mind is that the red samsaras will drop in late summer and dominate the area around it. Plant accordingly in a spot that would allow for this with ease.

Watering: Water generously upon first planting and water with care / as needed in the first couple years of growth. Thereafter, leave it alone to grow largely on its own terms.

Pruning: Pruning is helpful to maintain its shape and improve tree health – including aeration and exposure to sunlight from blocked areas. Clip off branches from the exterior that block access to the trunk and do so in late winter or early spring.

During winter it may be of interest to protect the trunk of your tree from harsh elements as well.