Maple
Hot Chicken
Acer oliverianum
An exceptional, ultra-hardy selection of the heat-tolerant Chinese Oliver Maple species. 'Hot Chicken' delivers a multi-phase color display, leafing out in early spring with a stunning mix of olive green and electric red tones. By late spring, the dense canopy matures to a clean, pleasant olive green. Mid-summer heat triggers a secondary flush of brilliant, bright red new growth that contrasts beautifully against the mature leaves, followed by a dramatic autumn finale of intense bright reds and oranges.
Growing Specifications
- Height
- 10-12 feet (at 15 years)
- Spread
- 6-8 feet
- Watering
- Regular deep watering during initial establishment; highly resilient thereafter
- Light
- Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Heat Tolerance
- Elite; exceptional resilience in Zones 8 and 9
- Growth Rate
- Moderate to Fast
- Soil Requirement
- Well-draining, highly organic, slightly acidic to neutral
North Texas Micro-climate Notes
Expert Curated Selection. This cultivar is an absolute rockstar for North Texas. Built on Oliver Maple genetics, it possesses advanced protection against cell-wall collapse under extreme solar loads. It can be confidently planted in full sun locations where typical palmatum varieties would completely scorch by July.
History & Lineage
- INTRODUCED BY
- Matt & Tim Nichols (MrMaple)
- HISTORY
- Discovered as a standout chance seedling by the world-famous Japanese author and maple expert, Masayoshi Yano. It was initially evaluated under the working experimental code name 'Nakahara ben B'. The Nichols brothers of MrMaple subsequently secured Yano's exclusive permission to introduce this elite selection to the Western market under the trade name 'Hot Chicken', cementing it into their specialized Heatseekers Series™.
Care Instructions
Plant in an open, loosely structured, well-draining soil profile to support deep root establishment. Provide consistent deep-soaking irrigation during its first two summers to lock in its signature heat-handling capabilities. Maintain a 3-inch layer of organic mulch.
Landscape Usage
Perfect as a prominent front-yard specimen, a high-impact architectural focal point in full-sun landscape beds, or styled inside large patio containers.
Fun Fact
While the playful name is a nod to Nashville Hot Chicken, it was chosen to fit alongside its Heatseekers Series siblings like 'Hot Blonde' and 'Hot Tamale'—celebrating its ability to thrive baking in the Southern sun.
Awards
Highly rated across Southern collector registries for elite sun durability and structural color definition
