How to Grow Red Sunset Maple
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Red Sunset Maple
Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset'
treeRed Sunset is a cultivar of Red Maple prized for its vibrant red fall foliage and reliable performance in diverse growing conditions. This deciduous tree reaches 40-50 feet tall and provides year-round interest with red flowers in spring, glossy green summer foliage, and stunning crimson leaves in autumn. It is a fast-growing ornamental tree suitable for landscapes, parks, and urban settings.
When should you plant Red Sunset Maple in your zone?
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Example Red Sunset Maple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Sunset Maple
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 Sunset Maple
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Sunset Maple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 3-9, with exceptional fall color in cooler zones 4-7
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Get my Red Sunset Maple timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Development (Years 6-12)
7 yearsApproaches mature height and width; strong branch structure established; dense canopy develops
Reduce watering frequency as roots deepen; remove crossing or weak branches; thin interior if needed for air circulation
Maturity (Years 13+)
15+ yearsFull-sized tree at 40-50 feet; established branching pattern; reliable flowering and fall color display
Minimal intervention; maintain shape through selective pruning; mulch to conserve moisture; monitor for pests/diseases
Fall Transition (Autumn)
4-6 weeksFoliage transitions from green to brilliant red, orange, and burgundy hues
Ensure adequate water in late summer/early fall for color development; avoid nitrogen fertilizer late season; enjoy the display
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap if severe; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Apply dormant oil spray in late winter; remove heavily infested branches; maintain tree vigor
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Remove infested leaves; maintain tree health; rarely causes serious damage
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Increase humidity with water misting; spray with miticide if population high; avoid over-fertilizing
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Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from tree; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides
Uses
Food and Habitat for Wildlife
WildlifeRed Sunset Maples produce abundant seeds (samaras) that feed birds, squirrels, and other wildlife. The dense canopy provides excellent nesting and shelter habitat for songbirds, woodpeckers, and small mammals. [source]
Ornamental Shade and Landscape Feature
HouseholdThis cultivar is prized for creating dappled shade in residential and commercial landscapes while providing exceptional four-season interest. Its reliable fall color and moderate growth rate make it ideal for medium-sized properties. [source]
Fall Foliage Display and Photography
CraftRed Sunset is renowned for its consistent, vibrant crimson fall color, making it a favorite subject for autumn photography and a key tree for leaf-peeping destinations. The color intensity is often better than standard red maples. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalRed Maple bark and leaves have been used in traditional Native American and folk medicine as a diuretic and astringent. Modern herbalism occasionally employs red maple preparations, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe early red flowers in spring provide early-season nectar and pollen for emerging bees, butterflies, and other pollinators when few other plants are blooming. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant in the traditional sense. Enjoy the ornamental display: red flowers appear in early spring (March-April); fall foliage peaks typically in October in northern zones, September-October in central regions. Extend autumn viewing by choosing a location with morning sun exposure.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Sunset was specifically selected and introduced by Ohio nurseryman Don Shadow in 1966 for its superior, consistent fall color compared to wild-type Red Maples, which can be variable.
- 🌱 Red Maples are named for the brilliant red color appearing throughout the tree at different seasons: red flowers in spring, red petioles (leaf stems) in summer, and fiery fall foliage in autumn.
- 🌱 Despite their name, Red Sunset Maples thrive in wet conditions better than many shade trees and are among the few quality ornamental trees that tolerate poor drainage and even temporary flooding.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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