tree

Pacific Sunset Maple

Acer 'Warrenred'

The Story

Plant Bio

A medium-sized deciduous tree, a hybrid between Shantung and Norway maples, known for its upright, rounded form and glossy summer foliage.

'Warrenred' is prized for its spectacular and reliable fall color, a vibrant mix of yellow, orange, and scarlet-red. Its heat and drought tolerance is superior to many other maples.

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its glossy summer foliage, tidy rounded shape, and most notably, its brilliant and long-lasting scarlet-red fall color. It provides multi-season interest in the landscape.

As a medium-sized tree, it's an excellent choice for providing shade in residential lawns and public parks. Its tolerance for urban pollution and compacted soils makes it a durable street tree.

The tree provides shelter and potential nesting sites for birds. Its flowers, though not showy, offer an early-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Wilted leaves toxic to horses

Bloom period

Early spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree so the root flare is level with the ground.
Backfill the hole with the original soil, tamping gently.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

Its tolerance of urban conditions and compact size makes it an excellent choice for street plantings or smaller landscapes.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
Prune in late winter to maintain a strong structure.
Provide a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Test soil pH if leaves appear yellow with green veins (chlorosis).

Don't

Do not plant too deep; ensure the root flare is visible.
Avoid piling mulch against the trunk, which can cause rot.
Do not over-fertilize; a soil test will determine if it's needed.
Avoid major pruning in spring when maples 'bleed' sap.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent medium-sized street treeGlossy specimen for residential lawnsVibrant fall color accent tree

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Guacamole'Heuchera 'Palace Purple'Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'Geranium 'Rozanne'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pacific Sunset Maple questions

What zones can Pacific Sunset Maple grow in?

Pacific Sunset Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pacific Sunset Maple deer resistant?

Yes — Pacific Sunset Maple is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pacific Sunset Maple bloom?

Pacific Sunset Maple typically blooms in early spring through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pacific Sunset Maple need full sun?

Pacific Sunset Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pacific Sunset Maple drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pacific Sunset Maple handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.