The Ruby Sunset Maple, scientifically known as Acer x freemanii ‘Ruby Sunset’, is a popular ornamental tree valued for its striking appearance and adaptability. This hybrid offers desirable traits, making it a favored selection for many outdoor spaces. Its reliable performance and visual interest throughout the seasons make it a worthwhile addition to many landscapes.
Key Characteristics
The Ruby Sunset Maple matures to a height of approximately 20 to 25 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet, forming an oval to broadly oval shape. Its foliage emerges in spring with a pale green hue, sometimes showing a subtle purple blush, then transitions to a rich, glossy dark green that holds well throughout the summer. The leaves are lobed and palmate. As autumn approaches, the tree lives up to its name, transforming into a vibrant display of deep ruby red, often with hints of orange, providing a vibrant contrast in the fall landscape.
This maple exhibits a medium growth rate, typically adding about 1 to 2 feet per year, and can live for 60 years or more under suitable conditions. The bark is generally smooth and gray, contributing to its year-round appeal. The Ruby Sunset Maple is cold hardy, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 4b through 8. This hybrid also inherits improved heat and drought tolerance compared to some other maple varieties.
Planting Your Ruby Sunset Maple
Proper site selection is important for the Ruby Sunset Maple’s long-term health. This tree thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, ideally with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage optimal growth and vibrant fall color. Well-drained soil is essential, though the tree can adapt to various soil types and pH levels. It does not perform well in standing water.
Before planting, enriching the soil with organic matter can benefit young trees, but avoid heavily amending the backfill soil, as this can create drainage issues. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep, ensuring the top of the root ball is slightly visible above the existing soil line after placement. After positioning the tree, backfill with native soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil. For multiple trees, space them 15 to 20 feet apart to accommodate their mature spread and provide sufficient air circulation.
Caring for Your Ruby Sunset Maple
Consistent watering is crucial for the Ruby Sunset Maple, especially during establishment and dry spells. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. While established trees show moderate drought tolerance, supplemental watering during extended dry periods maintains tree vigor and leaf health. Applying a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, conserves soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Fertilization supports healthy growth, especially for younger trees. A slow-release granular fertilizer, suitable for acid-loving plants, can be applied in early spring after new leaves emerge. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can encourage new growth vulnerable to winter damage.
Pruning is best done in summer after leaves fully develop to avoid sap bleeding, which occurs if pruned in late winter or early spring. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain structural integrity and improve air circulation. The Ruby Sunset Maple resists most common pests and diseases, but can be affected by issues like leaf spot or aphids.
Integrating Ruby Sunset Maple into Your Landscape
The Ruby Sunset Maple’s compact size and attractive form make it versatile for various landscape applications. Its oval shape and medium mature height allow it to serve as a specimen tree, providing a focal point in smaller home landscapes or garden beds. The tree’s tolerance to urban pollution and compact habit also make it suitable for street plantings, where it can add beauty without overwhelming the space.
Beyond its ornamental value, the Ruby Sunset Maple functions as a shade tree, offering a comfortable canopy during warmer months. Its consistent dark green summer foliage and vibrant ruby-red fall color contribute to year-round visual interest, enhancing any setting. It can also be integrated into group plantings, where its uniform growth habit and seasonal display creates a cohesive and impactful design.