How to Grow Red Maple 'Red Sunset'
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Red Maple 'Red Sunset'
Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset'
treeRed Maple 'Red Sunset' is a deciduous shade tree prized for its vibrant red foliage that emerges early in spring and intensifies to brilliant crimson in fall. This cultivar is a superior selection of the native Red Maple, offering more reliable and earlier red coloration than the species. It grows as a medium to large tree, reaching 45-50 feet tall with a dense, pyramidal to oval crown.
When should you plant Red Maple 'Red Sunset' in your zone?
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Example Red Maple 'Red Sunset' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Maple 'Red Sunset'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Maple 'Red Sunset'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Maple 'Red Sunset' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Red Maple 'Red Sunset' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 12 monthsNewly planted tree with developing root system; foliage may be stress-induced
Water deeply 2-3 times weekly for first year; avoid fertilizing; prune only dead or damaged branches; apply mulch to protect roots
Early Growth
Years 2-5Young tree develops structural branches and increases in height; spring foliage appears reddish
Continue consistent watering; stake if in windy location; prune to maintain central leader and remove crossing branches; apply balanced fertilizer sparingly if needed
Structural Development
Years 5-15Tree develops distinctive pyramidal to oval form; canopy fills in with dense branching
Reduce watering frequency as roots establish; thin interior branches for air circulation; prune in late winter or early spring while dormant; monitor for pest/disease issues
Mature Growth
Years 15+Tree reaches full size (45-50 feet); displays spectacular red spring growth and brilliant crimson fall foliage; canopy fully developed
Water during prolonged drought; light annual pruning to remove dead or diseased wood; maintain mulch layer; avoid deep rooting into clay at base; minimal fertilization needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for skeletonized leaves; use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early summer; encourage natural predators
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Prune heavily infested branches; apply dormant oil in late winter; monitor for sooty mold indicating heavy infestation
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Increase humidity through regular watering; spray foliage with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; typically worse in dry conditions
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Blast with water spray; use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations; natural predators usually keep populations in check
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Maintain tree vigor through proper watering; prune dead branches; avoid root damage; no cure; remove severely affected trees
Uses
Shade and ornamental canopy
LandscapeRed Maple 'Red Sunset' provides dense summer shade for lawns and structures while offering stunning visual interest through early spring red foliage and brilliant crimson fall color that lasts several weeks. [source]
Wildlife habitat and food source
WildlifeThe tree produces abundant seeds that feed birds and small mammals; spring flowers provide early nectar for pollinators; dense canopy offers shelter for nesting birds and wildlife. [source]
Specimen and street tree
HouseholdWidely used in urban and suburban landscaping as a street tree, park specimen, and foundation planting; improved selection offers more reliable red coloration than native species. [source]
Fall foliage appreciation and photography
CraftRed Maple 'Red Sunset' is renowned for predictable, vibrant crimson fall color appearing 2-3 weeks earlier than other maples, making it a favorite for ornamental landscape design and autumn photography. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not applicable for ornamental tree. For seeds, collect winged samaras (helicopters) in fall after they turn brown but before dropping; dry and store in cool location for propagation if desired.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Red Sunset' was selected and named by the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation for its reliable early spring red coloration and superior fall color compared to seedling Red Maples.
- 🌱 The common name 'Red Maple' refers to multiple red features: reddish twigs, red flowers in spring, red seeds, and red fall foliage—making it one of the most colorful native trees in eastern North America.
- 🌱 Red Maple 'Red Sunset' is more tolerant of wet and poorly drained soils than most maple species, making it valuable for landscaping in areas with seasonal flooding or high water tables.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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