Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset' (Franksred)

Red Sunset Maple

cer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’ (also sold under the cultivar name Franksred) is one of the most reliable and widely planted red maples, prized for its outstanding fall color, strong branching, and excellent adaptability. Spring brings small red flowers, followed by dark green, glossy foliage that forms a dense summer canopy.

In fall, ‘Red Sunset’ delivers a spectacular display of bright scarlet to deep red foliage, often with excellent uniformity across the entire tree. Color develops consistently year after year, making it a benchmark cultivar for fall performance. The habit is upright to broadly oval, producing a strong, symmetrical shade tree.

‘Red Sunset’ performs best in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a wide range of soils, including moist or moderately compacted sites. It is noted for better heat tolerance and structure than many seed-grown red maples.

Size



Width: 35–45 ft



Height: 45–60 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 4–9



Best Uses


Medium to large shade tree



Residential lawns and parks



Street tree (with adequate space)



Fall color focal point



Urban and commercial landscapes

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Shade Tree, Street Tree

Height

45-60'

Width

35-45'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Clay, Dry Area, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Provide Shade, Specimen, Street Tree

Shape

Oval, Pyramidal

Bark

Fissured

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No

10-year height

10'

10-year width

15'