Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset'

Admittedly, when you think of a maple, the first thing that comes to mind are vibrant autumn colors and fun "helicopters." However, they are also incredibly beautiful in spring! Our plant of the month for February, the Red Maple 'Red Sunset', is actually a true eye-catcher all year round and our absolute secret tip.

Already in March, the delicate, dark red flowers of the Red Maple 'Red Sunset' begin to open, attracting the first nectar-loving insects with their sweet scent. Long before the leaves appear, they decorate the branches of this solitary shrub in small clusters. And even though they are not as large as, for example, the flower balls of the winter viburnum, a blooming maple is still an exceptionally decorative shrub for larger gardens.

The Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset' can reach a height of 10-16 meters and up to 8 meters in width. So, it’s not a tree for small gardens, although it initially has a rather slender, oval shape. Over the years, the lower branches lower and create a conical silhouette. Despite a yearly growth of 30-40 cm, regular pruning is not necessary. This maple is very low-maintenance and is known for its extreme winter hardiness. It prefers sunny locations, but heat should not accumulate. The Red Maple has no objections to a regular breeze.

When planted in nutrient-rich, ideally lime-free garden soil, the Red Maple’s leaves emerge in a striking red hue after the blossoms. By summer, their color transitions from light red to bronze and finally to a fresh green. Only to shortly after wow the gardener again with its vibrant autumn foliage. This maple deserves a stand-alone position in the garden so it can showcase its beauty without obstruction.