Red Sunset® Maple Tree

Acer rubrum 'Franksred'

$149⁹⁹

In Stock
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Plant Size

#3 Container 4-5 Feet

Product variants

Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Highlights

Red Sunset® Maple Tree highlights at a glance!

Specifications

Brand

Nature Hills' Choice
Botanical Name

Acer rubrum 'Franksred'
Growing Zones

4-9
Mature Height

40 - 50 feet
Mature Spread

30 - 35 feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Moisture

Moderate
Soil

Widely Adaptable
Growth Rate

Fast, Medium
Flower Color

Red
Fall Color

Red
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pruning Time

When Dormant
Bloom Period

Early Spring

Growing Zones 4-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Stunning Fall Color Red Sunset® Maple Tree

Outstanding Red Color
Spring & Fall Display
Fast-Growing
Strong Limbs

If you want a tree with absolutely stunning fall color, take a good look at the Red Sunset® Maple tree (Acer rubrum 'Franksred')! This is a Red Maple tree to love all year round. In early spring, bright red flower buds appear on the branches before the foliage appears. They'll open into tight clusters of red flowers.

Following the flowers, the new leaves have a slight red overlay. Even the new growth leaves and twigs are tinted red before the star-shaped, glossy leaves mature into a medium to dark green. This gives the tree a fresh, cool summer look.

But everybody knows you plant a Red Sunset® for the spectacular, super early orange-red to brilliant red color display in fall. The Red Sunset® colors up earlier than most, and that incredible color lasts and lasts, giving you a wonderful backdrop for football watch parties.

The Red Sunset® Maple is well known as one of the very best cultivars for fall color. When this plant was introduced, it became the most desirable Maple and remains top-notch today!

When fall arrives, prepare yourself for one of the most spectacular autumn displays you'll ever witness. It's been described as the color of a glowing flame!

Order this tree and get ready for a superior fall display! You surely deserve it.

How to Use Red Sunset® Maple in the Landscape

This variety of Red Maple is an outstanding choice for any landscape. It's tall and strong with brilliant red colors in the fall for an extended time. Red Sunset® has become a go-to for many landscape architects and landscape companies.

Plant one as a focal point in your front yard, or place one in sight of a window where it can draw your eye to the brilliant color of its long fall display.

Try planting an informal grouping of Red Sunset® as an effective focal point at the back end of your yard. Best to use an odd number of trees in this case and create a natural group by planting along a gentle, meandering curve. You'll love looking out at your trees from a comfy deck chair.

We recommend planning ahead for nighttime enjoyment. Run electricity to the grouping, so you can place exterior uplights underneath the grouping. Position the lights so they'll shine them up into the canopy.

This tree is wonderful as a shade tree in the front or backyard. The well-balanced branch structure gives it a dignified look in your landscape all year long.

Like all Maples, its roots love water. Use it in a Rain Garden to help capture water from runoff. Plant at least 50 feet away from sewers and water mains.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Young plants have a fantastic pyramidal form, especially when young. As the plant matures, it will develop into a pleasingly rounded outline. These pretty trees are tough, too. Many municipalities use them as street trees regularly.

The leaves of this Maple are smaller than many other Maple varieties. The dark green top surface of the leaves contrasts nicely with the silvery underside of the leaves.

It's a fast-growing tree but still has stronger wood than other selections, tolerating wind better. There are no significant diseases or insect issues with Red Sunset® once it is established. it's relatively pest-free in most areas and becomes quite adaptable to most areas after it has been established.

Plant Red Sunset® Maple in full sun for even uniform growth and superior fall color. They can tolerate part shade, but the fall color will always be best when grown in more sun.

They enjoy a rich, slightly acidic soil that is evenly moist and well-drained, but once established this plant becomes tolerant of drier soils too.

Tall and strong with brilliant color, Red Sunset® Maple Tree is an outstanding choice. Order today!

I was so impressed with

I was so impressed with the tree when delivered. It was packaged so well as to not be damaged. Also, the quality was excellent. Look forward to seeing this beautiful tree grow! I will definitely order from Nature Hills again.

Dear Sherry,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that your tree arrived in perfect condition and that the packaging met your expectations. It’s always our goal to ensure each tree we send is not only healthy but well-protected on its journey to you.

Watching your new tree grow is such a rewarding experience, and we’re honored to be part of that journey. If you ever have any questions about care or need tips to help your tree thrive, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want your garden to flourish beautifully!

We look forward to your next order and many more seasons of green growth together.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

I was so impressed with

Hello Sherry,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that your tree arrived safely and in excellent condition, especially knowing that our careful packaging helped keep it pristine. It’s always exciting to see our customers look forward to nurturing their new plants, and we’re delighted you’ll be watching your tree thrive. If you ever need tips or have questions as your tree grows, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help.

We can't wait to serve you again for all your gardening needs!

Buoyed by your green dreams,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Great Fall color

A recent addition to my garden, the Red Sunset Maple receives many compliments from neighbors because of its early and extremely red Fall display. Im glad I selected this one.I hope that planting this tree about 40 from my home is sufficient.

Hello Digger,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Red Sunset® Maple! We’re thrilled to hear it’s bringing such vibrant fall color and compliment-worthy beauty to your garden. Your choice truly shines this season.

Planting your maple about 40 feet from your home is generally an excellent idea, giving it plenty of space to grow to its mature size and helping prevent any root or canopy issues. Remember to keep an eye on its watering needs, especially during establishment, and consider occasional mulching to retain moisture and protect roots.

If you ever want planting tips or care advice tailored to your area, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your garden thrive every season.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Red Maples- decisions/decions

I need a tree to shade the front of my house. Ive been considering the Red Maple/Red Sunset, as well as the October Glory variety. What factors might help me decide?Thanks for your help. Answer from Nature Hills: The main difference between the 2 trees is the mature size. The October Glory is 15 to 20 feet smaller, at maturity, than the Red Sunset. The other significant difference is the Red Sunsets ability to thrive in zones 4 through 8, whereas the October Glory is recommended for zone 5 through 8. The fall color of both trees is excellent.

Hello Jeff,

Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your thoughts on choosing the perfect shade tree for the front of your house. We truly appreciate your interest in both the Red Sunset® Maple and the October Glory variety.

When deciding between them, the key considerations are their mature size and hardiness zones, as mentioned. Since the Red Sunset grows larger—typically reaching heights about 15 to 20 feet taller than the October Glory—it’s great if you have sufficient space and want more prominent shade. If your front yard space is somewhat limited or you prefer a slightly smaller tree, October Glory may be a better fit. Additionally, consider your USDA hardiness zone: Red Sunset thrives in zones 4 through 8 and can handle a bit colder climate, whereas October Glory performs best from zones 5 to 8.

Both trees boast beautiful fall colors that will add stunning seasonal appeal. If you'd like, we also suggest Earth-friendly soil preparation and regular mulching around the base to ensure healthy growth. Our website has detailed growing guides for each maple—feel free to browse those for care reminders as your tree establishes.

We’re here anytime if you want personalized advice as you weigh the benefits or have any more planting questions. Your green space will truly flourish whichever you choose!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Red Sunset Maple

I live in southeast Texas near the Louisiana border and 60 miles from the gulf of mexico. I was shocked to see red fall color on my 4 foot tree for the 2nd straight year. I am going to order more of these!

Hi Marty51,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Red Sunset® Maple! We're thrilled to hear that your tree is showing such vibrant red foliage for the second year in a row—that’s always a wonderful sight to brighten up your landscape. Southeastern Texas near the Gulf can have its unique climate nuances, but it seems your maple is thriving beautifully in your environment!

If you're thinking about ordering more, we recommend planting your new trees with plenty of well-draining soil and providing consistent watering as they establish, especially in warmer climates near the coast. You might also find benefits in using a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support their growth and vivid foliage coloration.

Thanks again for your feedback and enthusiasm—we love being a part of your gardening journey and look forward to helping your yard flourish with more beautiful Red Sunset® Maples!

To greener days ahead,
Nature Hills Customer Care & Plant Support