Red Sunset® Maple Tree

Acer rubrum 'Franksred'

Nature Hills Nursery

Brilliant Red Foliage from Spring Blooms Through Fiery Fall Color Display
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 40-50 ft Tall, 30-35 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$94⁴¹

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Plant Size

#3 Container 4-5 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant this tree where it will receive a minimum of six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily for best results. Although it tolerates partial shade, the glorious red fall color will be significantly muted, appearing a less intense yellow-orange.
Soil: The Red Sunset Maple thrives in moist, rich, and slightly acidic soil that drains well. If you have heavy clay, deeply amend the planting area with generous amounts of compost and peat moss to improve drainage and help lower the pH. For sandy sites, incorporating organic matter will be critical to retain the moisture and nutrients the tree needs.

Watering Requirements

For the first two growing seasons, focus on deep, consistent watering, providing a slow soaking once or twice a week until the top couple of inches of soil are dry. This establishes a robust root system capable of supporting the mature tree. While established Red Sunset Maples are moderately tolerant of drought, inconsistent watering will lead to leaf scorch, premature leaf drop, and stress, particularly during a hot summer. Provide supplemental water during extended dry spells.

Pruning Tips

Since this tree is grown for its form and foliage rather than specific flowers, pruning should be done in late winter before the sap begins to run in early spring. Trimming at this time prevents the significant "bleeding" that can weaken the tree and attract insects. Your goal is to establish a strong, central leader and remove any broken, dead, or crossing branches to build a healthy canopy structure that will be stable as it matures.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular, balanced, slow-release fertilizer like a 10-10-10 specifically formulated for trees and shrubs in early spring, just as the buds begin to swell. Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-July; this late application will stimulate tender, new growth. That soft wood will not have adequate time to harden off before winter, leaving the branch tips highly vulnerable to cold damage and dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts Birds, Cold hardy, Deer-resistant, Disease resistant, Drought resistant, Fall Color/Interest, Fast-growing, Full Sun, Heat Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Native, Non-invasive, Ornamental Berries/Fruit
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	40-50 ft
Width	30-35 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Red
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Maple
Botanical Name	Acer rubrum 'Franksred'
Species	rubrum
Cultivar	Franksred
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much water does a young Red Sunset Maple need, especially in the first year?

Young Red Sunset Maples need deep, weekly watering for the first year to establish their root system. Water slowly until soil is moist 6-8 inches deep, typically 10-15 gallons per week depending on rainfall. Reduce frequency in fall as the tree prepares for dormancy.

Is the Red Sunset Maple low-maintenance, or does it require a lot of care?

Red Sunset Maple is relatively low-maintenance once established, requiring only basic care like adequate water and occasional pruning. Its strong limbs and adaptable nature make it an excellent choice for busy homeowners. Plant in full to partial sun and enjoy years of reliable performance - shop varieties at naturehills.com.

What are common planting mistakes to avoid with Red Sunset Maple, like depth or backfill?

Plant Red Sunset Maple at the same depth it grew in the nursery container, never deeper. Avoid heavy clay backfill that retains water around the roots. Since this fast-growing tree develops strong limbs, give it plenty of space to reach its mature size without crowding nearby structures.

How cold-hardy is the Red Sunset Maple, and can it survive -20°F winters?

Red Sunset® Maple is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, easily surviving temperatures well below -20°F. This Red Maple cultivar tolerates winter lows down to -25°F or colder in zone 4. Plant in fall for best root establishment before winter.

What is the growth rate of the Red Sunset Maple, and how long until it matures?

Red Sunset Maple is a fast-growing tree that typically reaches 40-60 feet tall and 25-40 feet wide at maturity in 15-20 years. You'll see good fall color displays within 3-5 years of planting. Plant in full sun to partial shade for best growth and color development, available at naturehills.com.

How should I prune a Red Sunset Maple, and when is the best time?

Prune Red Sunset Maple during dormancy in late winter before buds break. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches first, then shape as needed. This timing prevents sap bleeding and disease issues while maintaining the tree's strong limb structure.

Red Sunset® Maple Tree

Acer rubrum 'Franksred'