Acer rubrum Red Sunset ='Franksred'

Common name: Red Maple 'Red Sunset'

Description: This outstanding cultivar of the North American red maple is renowned for producing some of the most spectacular and reliable autumn colour available in British gardens. In autumn, the foliage transforms into brilliant shades of intense scarlet, orange, and crimson, creating a breathtaking display that persists for several weeks. The colour develops reliably even in the UK's variable climate, making this far more dependable than many other autumn-colouring trees. In spring, clusters of small red flowers appear before the leaves emerge, adding another season of interest. The glossy green summer foliage is attractive and provides good shade. This cultivar demonstrates excellent vigour and a neat, pyramidal habit that requires minimal pruning. The tree is also more tolerant of alkaline soils than many red maples, broadening its adaptability. The combination of reliable autumn colour, attractive spring flowers, and adaptable nature makes this an outstanding specimen tree for creating seasonal drama in gardens of all sizes.

Other benefits: exceptional reliable autumn colour, spring flowers, pyramidal habit, fast-growing, tolerates various soil types, low maintenance, excellent for specimen planting

Wildlife attraction: bees, early pollinators, provides shelter for birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 5m x 3m

Position: full sun to partial shade; autumn colour best in full sun

Soil pH: prefers neutral to acidic conditions; more alkaline-tolerant than typical red maples

Moisture: moderate to high watering required; prefers consistently moist soil; more drought tolerant once established

Winter hardiness: very cold hardy to -30°C