"Coming up with a list of plants that reliably turn a certain color was a bit of a challenge," states Luke Miller in this article on planting trees for fall foliage. The article includes a chart that will help you mull over your options. Luke notes that "air temperature, soil moisture and sunlight all play roles in determining the intensity of fall foliage." The bottom line is that the "red maple" you bought may turn yellow, instead, unless the weather cooperates.