tree

Sun Valley Red Maple

Name: Sun Valley Red Maple
Brand: Acer
Availability: InStock

Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley'

$140.00$185.00Save 24%

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Long-lived, 70-90 years

Native To

Eastern North America (species)

Toxicity

Wilted leaves are toxic to horses

The Story

Plant Bio

Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley' is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a symmetrical, dense, ovate crown. A hybrid of 'Red Sunset' and 'Autumn Flame', it was developed by the U.S. National Arboretum for superior form and fall color. 'Sun Valley' is a male cultivar, meaning it produces no seeds (samaras), making it a 'cleaner' tree for patios, pools, and street plantings. It is known for its brilliant, long-lasting red fall color and good resistance to the potato leafhopper.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Sun Valley' is a premier shade tree, offering a dense, uniform canopy and a classic oval shape. Its early spring display of small red flowers provides a subtle haze of color before the leaves emerge. The main show is in autumn, when the foliage transforms into a consistently brilliant and enduring shade of pure red. Its seedless nature is a significant ornamental and maintenance advantage.

Its uniform growth habit and moderate size make it an ideal tree for suburban lawns, public parks, and commercial landscapes. Being seedless, it eliminates the mess of 'helicopter' seeds, making it perfect for use near patios, decks, and walkways. It is also a reliable choice for street tree planting programs.

As a cultivar of a native species, it supports local ecosystems. The early spring flowers are an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. The tree provides nesting sites and cover for a variety of birds. Its dense foliage helps cool the surrounding environment.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant FarmDEAL

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$185.00$140.00

Fast Growing Trees

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun with moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, watering gently to settle.
Water deeply two to three times a week for the first season.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in slightly acidic soil for the most intense red fall color; alkaline soils can cause chlorosis and muted colors.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially in the first few years and during droughts.
Test soil pH and amend if necessary to keep it below 7.0.
Prune to maintain a single, dominant leader when the tree is young.
Protect the thin bark of young trees from mowers and string trimmers.

Don't

Do not plant in high pH (alkaline) soils.
Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites without supplemental irrigation.
Don't prune in late winter or early spring when the sap is running heavily.
Never pile mulch against the trunk ('volcano mulching').

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent seedless street or parkway treeVibrant specimen tree for reliable fall colorPerfect shade tree for medium-sized residential lawns

Companion Plants

Cornus florida Amelanchier laevis Viburnum dentatum Hydrangea quercifolia Carex appalachica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sun Valley Red Maple questions

What zones can Sun Valley Red Maple grow in?

Sun Valley Red Maple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sun Valley Red Maple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Sun Valley Red Maple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Sun Valley Red Maple bloom?

Sun Valley Red 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 Sun Valley Red Maple need full sun?

Sun Valley Red Maple does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.