Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley'
red maple 'Sun Valley'
An oval to round-headed, deciduous tree about 10m tall. The 3-5 lobed palmate are leaves to 10cm long. The new spring growth is reddish-green, maturing to bright green in summer, then turning brilliant, fiery red in autumn if the weather is reliably cold. Upright clusters of tiny red flowers are borne in spring followed by dark red winged fruits in autumn. This selection keep its autumn tones for longer than other cultivars and its canopy especially symmetrical in shape
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Red Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Acer can be deciduous trees or large shrubs with paired, often palmately-lobed leaves and small flowers followed by characteristic winged fruits. Many have fine autumn colour, and some have ornamental stems
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade. See tree cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by grafting in late winter or softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning group 1, if necessary, from late autumn to midwinter only
Pests
May be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus
Get involved
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