- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 40 - 50 Feet
- Mature Spread 40 - 50 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Red Sunset® Red Maple, Acer Rubrum Red Sunset®, or ‘Franks Red’, is a quick-growing shade tree with bright green summer foliage that stuns in the fall with brilliant crimson color. These elegant trees grow relatively quickly, reaching heights of 40 to 50 feet and maintaining their pyramidal forms. A favorite of landscapers, these classic, statement maples thrive in any landscape. They produce small clusters of white flowers in the spring, and beady red fruits in the summer. Their bark is smooth and gray and deepens in color as the tree matures.
The Red Sunset® Red Maple has great branching systems and is known for its stunning fall color. Native to North America, this deciduous tree should be guarded from deer, rabbits and other critters. Tree guard fabric is a good option, especially for young trees where the bark is thinner.
Red Sunset® Red Maple Tree Care
You should plant your Red Sunset® in the late fall or early spring. It can thrive in a variety of soil types, but prefers moist, acidic soils. It is salt sensitive. You plant it at the same depth as it is growing in it’s container or burlap. Your maple will thrive most in full sun, but can tolerate dappled shade. Your Red Sunset® Maple uses above-average water, and you should water it regularly and deeply to establish a thriving root system. Once it’s established, in the spring, water weekly. Before new growth emerges, use a fertilizer meant for acid-loving plants to keep your maple strong and healthy.
Pruning is not required, unless it is to remove damaged or diseased limbs, but in the late-summer or winter months, you can trim back your maple to maintain a smaller size or consistent shape. The Red Sunset® Red Maples are susceptible to scorch that can discolor the leaves. Scorch can be caused by excessive wind or sun exposure, disease, or contaminated soil. Adding a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch will help this beauty retain its needed moisture.
Red Sunset® Red Maple Tree Spacing
Red Sunset® Red Maples look fantastic in any yard, at the end of a long driveway or on streetscapes. It is also recommended for smaller yards, as it will not overwhelm the property, even at its mature height. You should plant your maples at least 12 feet apart to the next tree. Great companion plants for your maple are low-growing spring bulbs like daffodils, heuchera or ferns, or even groundcover plants like tradescantia.
Red Sunset® Red Maple Tree Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Trees |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 40 - 50 Feet |
Mature Spread: 30 - 40 Feet |
Spacing: 30 - 40 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous, Variegated |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Red |
Foliage Description: Variegated |
Seasonal Interest: Fall Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Red Sunset® Red Maple |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: ACER RUBRUM `RED SUNSET` |
- SKU:
- 1012863-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.