Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset' (Red Maple)

Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset' (Red Maple) is a Eastern Red Maple cultivar, 'Red Sunset', a Eastern North America native introduced as a refined garden tree.

Outstanding scarlet fall color; classic palmate maple leaf. Full sun to part shade suits this species best in cool maritime PNW gardens. Plant in adaptable, prefers acidic; chlorosis on alkaline soils soil; avoid wet feet. Hardy USDA Zone 3 to 9. Outstanding scarlet fall color is the signature feature; choose acidic soils for best leaf color and to avoid chlorosis.

Slow to medium growth, long-lived. Light structural pruning in late winter; avoid heavy cuts. Watch for verticillium wilt (sterilize tools), chlorosis on alkaline soils, and bacterial leaf scorch. Not strongly deer-resistant; protect young trees from browse.

If you'd like a Pacific Northwest native maple with similar grace, consider Acer circinatum (Vine Maple), Oregon's classic woodland-edge maple with brilliant fall color and deep ecological value. Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf Maple) is the keystone PNW broadleaf maple for larger sites.