Product description
Give your summer garden, a beautiful splash of colours with Acer ‘rubrum’ Summer Red tree. Also known as the Red Maple tree, it is a single-stemmed deciduous tree that initially grows ovate but matures to a more pyramidal cone form. This upright beauty contrasts brilliantly with the dark green leaves. It is definitely an exceptional eye-catcher that will enrich your garden!
Unlike other Acer ‘rubrum’, this one brings its reddish colours in the summer. But even in the autumn you will experience a real colour explosion when the leaf turns yellow.
This impressive variety shows itself in a dress of light reddish-brown young leaves and dark green full-grown leaves, throughout the summer. The attractive 5-lobed, glossy green leaves stay reddish over the summer and turn yellow in autumn. The older leaves that grow dark green provide excellent contrast. The tree flourishes in March with red flower umbels.
The Summer Red tree thrives in a nutrient-rich and moist soil. However, it has no special requirements but it does dislike calcareous soil or heavy clay. It can thrive even on drier sites, planted in a full sun to partial shade location.
Overall, the red maple 'Summer Red' proves to be undemanding, easy to care for and frost hardy. In fact, it is very frost hardy up to -25 degrees, which should be no problem for the maple. It does not tolerate strong winds and therefore requires protection against the same.
The red maple 'Red Sunset' is great for avenue, street and parks. Its grey and slightly furrowed bark makes it appear shiny as a single specimen in parks, larger home gardens or in avenues.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Prune Acer trees lightly during winter or early spring, removing any dead or damaged branches to maintain their shape. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can spoil their natural form. Protect young trees from harsh winds, which can damage delicate leaves, especially on Japanese varieties. Adding an organic fertiliser in spring will encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
How to Water
Water your Acer deeply after planting and continue to water regularly during its first growing season to establish strong roots. Mature Acer trees prefer consistent moisture but are sensitive to waterlogging. Water during dry spells, especially in summer, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Using rainwater is ideal, as it prevents any buildup of salts that can occur with tap water.
How to Plant
To plant an Acer tree, select a sheltered spot with partial shade and moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the root collar remains level with the surrounding soil. Soak the root ball in water before planting to reduce transplant shock. Backfill the hole with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly. Apply a mulch layer to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping it clear of the tree trunk.