$22.95
redsunset
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
Add a fast-growing shade tree with some of the earliest and most reliable fall color in the landscape with the Red Sunset® Maple (Acer rubrum). Prized for its glossy summer foliage, strong symmetrical form, and vivid orange-red fall display, this red maple selection is considered one of the top shade trees for home landscapes, streetscapes, and larger properties.
Its dense, broadly oval canopy provides excellent shade throughout the growing season, while the lustrous green foliage begins turning brilliant orange-red earlier in the fall than many other maple varieties, often putting on its show before neighboring trees have even started to change. Whether planted as a single specimen, a shade tree near the home, or in a row along a driveway or property line, the Red Sunset Maple delivers dependable performance and an early burst of seasonal color.
Few shade trees combine reliability and early seasonal color the way the Red Sunset Maple does. Introduced by J. Frank Schmidt & Son in 1966, it quickly became one of the most widely planted red maple cultivars, thanks to its strong branching structure and consistent performance across a wide range of climates.
As summer winds down, the glossy green foliage transitions into a brilliant blend of orange and red, often arriving weeks before other maple varieties begin to change. Even in summer, its dense, symmetrical canopy adds structure and reliable shade to any landscape.
The Red Sunset Maple is a versatile shade tree that fits a wide range of landscape needs. Plant it as a specimen tree in an open lawn, use it to line a driveway or street, or space several together to create a natural privacy screen or windbreak as they mature.
Because your tree arrives in a 1-gallon trade pot, it is easy to handle and plant while it establishes its root system. Give your young maple plenty of open space to grow into its full mature size and enjoy watching it develop into a dominant shade tree over the years.
Keep the soil consistently moist while your tree is becoming established. Pay particular attention to watering while the tree is still in its 1-gallon container, as smaller containers can dry out more quickly during hot or windy weather.
After planting, water deeply and regularly until the root system becomes established. During periods of hot or dry weather, check the soil regularly and provide additional water when needed. A layer of mulch around the root zone can help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures.
Red Sunset Maples perform best in full sun, which encourages the strongest branching structure and the most vibrant fall color. They will tolerate light shade, but full sun exposure is recommended for optimal growth and color development.
Plant your maple in fertile, well-draining soil. Red Sunset Maples are adaptable to a wide range of soil types and show high tolerance to occasional flooding, making them a strong choice for wetter sites.
Red Sunset Maples generally do not require heavy fertilization. Once established, if additional nutrients are needed, use a balanced fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs and follow the manufacturer's application instructions.
Allow your young maple to establish before doing significant pruning. Once established, prune in late fall to winter to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and to maintain a strong central leader and well-spaced branch structure as the tree matures.
| Common Name | Red Sunset® Maple |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Acer rubrum 'Franksred' |
| Plant Type | Deciduous Shade Tree |
| Hardiness Zone | 4 - 8 |
| Container Size | 1-Gallon Trade Pot |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Soil | Adaptable; Well-Drained to Occasionally Wet |
| Foliage Color | Glossy Green (Summer); Orange-Red (Early Fall) |
| Landscape Use | Shade Tree, Street Tree, Specimen, Windbreak & Privacy Row |
What makes Red Sunset Maple different from other red maples?
Red Sunset Maple is known for turning color earlier in the fall than many other red maple varieties, including October Glory, giving you a longer stretch of seasonal color in the landscape.
Does a Red Sunset Maple need full sun?
Full sun is recommended for the best growth rate, structure, and fall color. The tree will tolerate some light shade, but color and density may be reduced.
Where should I plant my Red Sunset Maple?
Choose an open area with well-drained soil and enough space for its broad, mature canopy. Red Sunset Maples work well as shade trees in lawns, along driveways and streets, or spaced out to form a privacy row.
How often should I water my Red Sunset Maple?
While your tree is in its 1-gallon trade pot, check the soil regularly and water thoroughly when the soil begins to dry. Containers can dry out quickly during hot or windy weather. After planting, continue watering regularly until the tree becomes established.
How big will my 1-gallon Red Sunset Maple be when it arrives?
Your Red Sunset Maple is shipped as a young tree in a 1-gallon trade pot. Because plants are living products, actual height, branching, and overall shape can naturally vary depending on the season and growing conditions.
When is the best time to plant my Red Sunset Maple?
Red Sunset Maples can generally be planted when weather and soil conditions are suitable. Mild weather is ideal for reducing transplant stress. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or during periods of extreme heat, and provide consistent moisture after planting.
Does a Red Sunset Maple need to be pruned?
Light pruning in late fall to winter can help maintain a strong central leader and well-spaced branches as the tree matures. Avoid heavy pruning while your young tree is becoming established.
Can I keep my Red Sunset Maple in its 1-gallon pot?
The 1-gallon trade pot is intended primarily for growing and shipping the young tree rather than as a permanent container. For the best long-term growth, we recommend planting your maple in the landscape as soon as conditions allow, since it is a large shade tree at maturity.
How much space does a Red Sunset Maple need?
As a large shade tree at maturity, the Red Sunset Maple should be planted with plenty of open space away from structures, foundations, and overhead power lines to allow its canopy and root system to develop fully.
Whether you're planting a new shade tree, lining a driveway, or adding an early burst of seasonal color to an established landscape, the Red Sunset Maple delivers glossy summer foliage, strong structure, and one of the earliest, most reliable fall color displays of any shade tree.
Plant a Red Sunset® Maple today and watch your young tree grow into a towering shade tree for years to come.
