Autumn 2024Order now for delivery from week commencing 25th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.
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Sun Valley

Acer rubrum

A fine example of the Canadian Maple or Red Maple, with spectacular fiery red autumn colours.

The dull red flowers appear before the leaves in March.

The leaves are dark green, with a silvery-blue sheen on the undersurface. The stems of emerging leaves are often tinged red.

Sun Valley maple trees for sale

  • 2-year pot-grown tree £75.00
    In a 12L pot
    Large size (3m-5m after 10 years)
Next deliveries

Order now for delivery from week commencing 25th November for pot grown trees or December for bare-root or mixed tree orders.

How to grow

Sun Valley is a fast-growing tree, suitable for most situations, including areas of low rainfall. However for the best autumn colour it should be planted in full sun in a moisture-retentive soil. 

History

'Sun Valley' is related to Acer rubrum 'Somerset' and is a cross of Acer rubrum 'Red Sunset' and Acer rubrum 'Autumn Flame' and was introduced by the US National Arboretum. All these cultivated varieties are more reliable in producing autumn colours in UK conditions than the original Acer rubrum.

Acer rubrum is clearly related to Acer saccharinum (the silver maple), but is not quite as fast-growing.

Sun Valley characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plantAttractive foliageAutumn foliage colour
  • Growth habitUpright
  • Height after 10 years3m-5m / 10ft-16ft
  • SunlightPrefers full sun
  • PruningDo not prune
  • Growth rateFast
  • Site conditionsOccasional drought
  • Flowering monthApril
  • Leaf colourGreen
  • Leaf colour - autumnOrange / Red
  • Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

  • See also October Glory
    Acer rubrum
    October Glory
    A well-named form of the North American Red Maple - the leaves turn a spectacular red in the autumn.

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2022.