tree

Urban Sunset Maple

Acer 'Jfs-Kw78'

The Story

Plant Bio

A hybrid maple selected for its compact, upright growth habit, glossy green summer foliage, and excellent urban tolerance. It is a cross between Shantung maple and Norway maple.

Urban Sunset (JFS-KW78) is distinguished by its brilliant, deep red fall color and a tighter, more pyramidal form than its parent, Pacific Sunset maple. Its smaller stature makes it well-suited for residential landscapes and street plantings.

Uses & Benefits:

Urban Sunset Maple is a premier small-stature shade tree, offering glossy green summer leaves that transform into a stunning, consistent deep red in the fall. Its tidy, pyramidal form is attractive year-round and fits well in structured landscapes.

Its compact size and narrow form make it an ideal tree for modern, smaller residential lots, narrow parkways, and under power lines. Its tolerance for heat, drought, and a range of soils makes it a tough, reliable choice for challenging urban environments.

As a deciduous tree, it contributes to the urban canopy, providing shade that reduces the heat island effect, filtering air pollutants, and managing stormwater runoff. Its spring flowers offer a nectar source for early pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

60+ years

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans, but leaves can be toxic to horses.

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Gently tease out any circling roots before placing in the hole.
Ensure the root flare is at or slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Water deeply but infrequently after establishment to encourage a deep, drought-tolerant root system, leveraging its Shantung maple parentage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the best fall color.
Water consistently for the first two years to establish a strong root system.
Prune when young to develop a strong central leader and good branch structure.
Protect the thin bark of young trees from sunscald and mechanical damage.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
Avoid planting too deep; locate the root flare and keep it visible.
Don't over-fertilize; this tree performs well in average soils.
Avoid heavy pruning once the tree is mature.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Compact shade tree for smaller yardsVibrant street or parking lot treeSpecimen with outstanding fall color

Companion Plants

Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)Heuchera 'Autumn Bride'Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Buxus (Boxwood)Geranium 'Rozanne'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Urban Sunset Maple questions

What zones can Urban Sunset Maple grow in?

Urban 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 Urban Sunset Maple deer resistant?

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

When does Urban Sunset Maple bloom?

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

Does Urban Sunset Maple need full sun?

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

Is Urban Sunset Maple drought tolerant?

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