Culture
Easily grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Performs well in full sun or bright, sun-dappled locations. Some tolerance for drought. Best performance occurs in areas with cool summer climates. Transplants easily.
RED RHAPSODY often grows poorly in the heat and humidity of the deep South.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Acer tataricum, commonly called Tatarian maple, typically grows as a small, upright spreading tree with a dense, rounded crown or as a large multi-stemmed shrub. It matures over time to 15-20’ tall. It is native to forested areas from western Asia to southeastern Europe. Unlobed, broad-ovate, medium green leaves (to 4” long) with irregular doubly serrate margins are found on mature trees. Leaves on young trees are often 3 lobed. Leaves turn yellow and red in fall. Greenish-white flowers in erect, long-peduncled panicles bloom in spring. Flowers are followed by winged samaras (to 1” long) that turn a showy red in summer/fall as they mature.
Subsp. ginnala and its cultivars are more often found in cultivation than A. tataricum. Subsp. ginnala (formerly Acer ginnala), is commonly called Amur maple. It is native to China, Mongolia, Manchuria, Siberia (along the Amur River Valley), Korea and Japan. It also matures over time to 15-20' tall as a large shrub or small tree. In comparison to the species, its leaves are (a) more lustrous, (b) distinctively three-lobed with a long central lobe and (c) better red (although variable) fall color. Fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers are followed by red-winged samaras (to 1" long).
Genus name is the Latin name for a maple tree.
Specific epithet is in reference to certain areas of Siberia and Mongolia (Tatary) that were invaded and occupied in the Middle Ages by the Tatars.
'Mandy', commonly marketed under the trade name of RED RHAPSODY, is noted for having shiny green leaves which turn an excellent scarlet red (as emphasized by the trade name) in fall.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Verticillium wilt, stem canker, leaf spots, tar spot and anthracnose may appear. Watch for aphids, borers, scale, leafhoppers, caterpillers and mites.
Uses
Interesting specimen shrub or tree for the landscape but listed as invasive in some states. Screen.