Which Acer for memorial planting

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minnesippi brainerd, MN(Zone 4a) May 03, 2013

I am trying to decide which maple to plant for a memorial.
I chose a maple because my dear friend was a "ginger", 4'9" tall and full of fire. Loved the idea of it turning orange/red in the fall. She was a firefighter & EMT, living in CO at the time of her death.
I am planting it on our old high school grounds along with a bench for her Mother's Day weekend. (MN zone 4b)
I just cant seem to narrow it down. What do you think?

Acer ginnala “Flame” (may be too short - yet it would fit for her)
Acer rubrum “Autumn Radiance”
Acer rubrum “Northwood”
Acer rubrum “Red Sunset”
Acer saccharum “Bailsta”
Acer saccharum “Green Mountain”
Acer x freemanii “Jefferson Red”

Post #9506618
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momlady Camano Island, WA(Zone 8a) May 03, 2013

Well, Flame is definitely the shortie, but they are all beautiful. I think you couldn't go wrong with any of them.
Another possibility is Acer griseum. It grows in zones 4-8 so might be ok for you. 20-30 ft x 15-25 ft. It has red leaves in fall, and the bark peels and looks great all winter. If people will be near the tree in winter it's worth considering, otherwise maybe not.
I am so sorry for your loss. You must miss her very much.

Post #9506712
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minnesippi brainerd, MN(Zone 4a) May 03, 2013

Thank you. I do miss her terribly. She was 38. Buried her on her 39th birthday :(
That is a pretty tree. I will add it to my list :)

Post #9506937
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growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) May 03, 2013

You might want to look at Acer palmatum 'Fireglow' http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/78115/
Acer pseudoplatanus 'Brilliantissimum' http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/83278/
Acer x freemanii 'Autumn Blaze' http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/78047/
Just some additional thoughts.

Post #9506991
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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) May 03, 2013

For Minnesota - and, I presume, your desire for this plant to live many years in this person's memory - I'd select one of the proven Red Maple selections that you've listed.

These trees will be reliable in their fall color, and can live to be a strong vibrant substantial presence - much as you've described this person to be. Many generations may be able to take solace and respite under its boughs.

Post #9507375
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minnesippi brainerd, MN(Zone 4a) May 05, 2013

I went with the 'Jefferson Red' AKA Autumn Blaze. I will take pictures when it is planted next weekend :)

Thank you all

Post #9509754
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