Few trees can match the dependable, intense fall foliage of the October Glory maple. A number of them are reaching 20 years old in the Village Center, and they are always easy to spot this time of the year. Rather undistinguished most of the year, come October, they jump to life with just about the most vibrant, long lasting red colors found anywhere in the South. Sadly, they’re just about past peak here.
Here’s one tip: in a viewshed, combine the October Glory with other upright plants to really contrast the fall foliage, like the yellows of a Willow Oak or the dark greens of various evergreen hollies. In the picture, you’ll see it contrasted nicely with the adjacent yellow leaves of a crape myrtle. Any combination like this creates a truly dazzling fall vignette.
As with most maples, don’t try to plant under these trees anything but the hardiest groundcover and shrubs. These roots are Darwinian victors and will suck any and all moisture out of the soil under the tree’s canopy.