Acer Rubrum October Glory no red autumn colour

artichoke

I bought online an Acer Rubrum October Glory for its beautiful autumn red colour. IIam do disappointed as my tree has been more yellow and brown for the last 3 autumns. So does that mean it definitely isn't the tree I ordered, but another Acer or is it just the conditions to blame?
Please can anyone help.

Fairygirl

It could be either - or both. Your growing conditions, and it's site in the garden might be affecting it. 

Obelixx

Autumn leaf colour is partially due to genetics which affect the levels of red and purple pigments trapped in the leaves but is also affected by day length, temperatures and soil moisture.  A dry autumn ususally produces better colours. 

Kitty 2

That's interesting to know Obelixx, thanks.
I have an acer which used to turn a glorious shade of red when growing in it's large pot. Due to it's size I planted it out in the garden and this year it has held it's leaves for much longer but is still mostly green with a smattering of orangey leaves.

Fairygirl

Yes - dry cold gives better colours, generally speaking.

Kitty 2

Ah well... Don't get much 'dry' cold here in MCR Fairy 😆. I'd best get used to it's new muted autumn look.
Planting out was best for the tree and it's a lovely zingy green come summer.

Fairygirl

We usually have wet cold or just cold @Kitty 2

September was wetter here than normal, but also warmer and less wild. Such is the way of it - keeps us all on our toes eh? 
I think they always look better in the ground if possible, but they do make lovely pot specimens with the right conditions.

Daffydilly

artichoke said:

I bought online an Acer Rubrum October Glory for its beautiful autumn red colour. IIam do disappointed as my tree has been more yellow and brown for the last 3 autumns. So does that mean it definitely isn't the tree I ordered, but another Acer or is it just the conditions to blame?
Please can anyone help.

I live in Manchester too and this year my acer has not been so vivid in colour, last year it was brilliant orange but, has already been said, not the dryest autumn.  Cross fingers for next year

Silver surfer

Just in case an error has taken place...does leaf shape match with Acer rubrum leaves...see link.

https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/acer-rubrum-october-glory

artichoke

Thanks for the feedback everyone👍
I understand that weather will affect autumn colours, but three years in a row just thought this can't be right. 
I quite like my trees yellow colour shown in photo attached, but not as stunning as what I was hoping for with October Glory🙁
Thanks for the info Silver Surfer. The leaves on my tree do seem narrower...I may try to identify exactly what tree it is using this site🤔

Silver surfer

Acer rubrum is so named not cos of red autumn leaf colour.... but the red tiny flowers in March
We grew Acer rubrum which never turned red but was still a beautiful tree.
..see pics below
We then bought Acer rubrum October Glory ...which did exactly as described.
See pics in above post.



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