Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley' 12ltr pot

Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley' — 12ltr Pot

A slightly more compact choice among the red maples, Acer rubrum 'Sun Valley' forms a neat, symmetrical, oval-to-round crown of three- to five-lobed leaves. New growth emerges a reddish-green in spring, matures to a fresh, bright green through summer, then turns a brilliant, fiery red in October — a colour this cultivar is known for holding longer than many other red maple varieties. Upright clusters of small red flowers appear on the bare branches in early spring.

Bred by the US National Arboretum from a cross of 'Red Sunset' and 'Autumn Flame', 'Sun Valley' brings the best of both: strong autumn colour, a tidy, well-balanced shape, and a slightly smaller ultimate size that suits gardens where a full-scale red maple would be too much. It's also a male selection, so there's no fruit or self-seeding to worry about.

Grow in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil that's neutral to acid — it will grow in loam, clay or sand, but colours best away from chalky ground. It's fully hardy, though best given some shelter from strong or coastal winds, and needs only minimal pruning once established.

Each tree is hand-selected before dispatch, supplied in a 12-litre pot ready for planting straight into its final position.