Acer oliverianum 'Hot Sauce' Japanese Maple

Acer oliverianum ‘Hot Sauce’ is a rare, heat-tolerant maple that brings bold red foliage to Southern gardens. Selected by Masayoshi Yano at World Maple Park in Uda, Japan, it was gifted to Matt and Tim under the working name “Nakahara beni A.” With Mr. Yano’s permission, we named this exceptional selection ‘Hot Sauce’ and added it to our Heatseekers Series™. It combines the rich red appeal of a ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese maple with the outstanding heat tolerance of Acer oliverianum.

• Zones: 6–9.

• Spring Color: Bright red foliage that deepens to rich red.

• Summer Color: Deep red foliage that may become greener in late summer. 

• Fall Color: Brilliant shades of orange to red.

• Size in 10 Years: Approximately 10–12 ft tall.

• Growth Habit: Upright, forming an attractive small tree.

• Light: Full sun; plenty of sunlight encourages the best red coloration and vigorous growth.

• Suggested Uses: Specimen tree, collector’s garden, and a colorful focal point in sunny Southern landscapes.

• Best Feature: Striking red foliage paired with exceptional heat tolerance.

• Garden Interest: Rich spring and summer foliage followed by a fiery autumn display.

• Introduction: Selected by Masayoshi Yano; named by MrMaple with his permission and offered in the Heatseekers Series™ and Area 51 Collection™.