ACER RUBRUM SUN VALLEY

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to light partial shade. Full sun produces the most intense autumn colour.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in moist, well-drained, fertile soils. Will tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided drainage is adequate.

• pH Range: Best in slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5–6.5). Avoid alkaline conditions, which may cause leaf chlorosis.

• Moisture Needs: Likes evenly moist soil and benefits from mulching to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or early autumn to allow roots to establish before extreme weather.

• Spacing: Allow at least 5–6 metres from buildings or other large trees to accommodate its mature size and canopy spread.

• Positioning Tips: Perfect for lawns, large gardens, and parkland planting, where its upright, symmetrical shape can be fully appreciated.

• Shelter Needs: Hardy and wind-tolerant but will perform best in sheltered sites away from salt-laden coastal winds.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water deeply during the first 1–2 years after planting to encourage deep root development.

  • Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy leaf growth and vibrant colour.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning required; shape lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain structure.

  • Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to keep the canopy open and healthy.

• Mulching: Spread a layer of bark or leaf mould around the base in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil condition. Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free but may occasionally be affected by aphids, scale insects, or verticillium wilt. Prompt removal of affected material helps maintain plant health.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland. Young trees benefit from trunk guards in areas where deer or rabbits are present.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Deep green, lobed leaves in summer turn brilliant shades of crimson-red in autumn, making it one of the most striking maples for seasonal colour.

• Form: Naturally upright and symmetrical, with a dense, oval canopy that requires minimal shaping.

• Flowers and Fruit: Small red flowers appear in early spring before the leaves, adding subtle seasonal interest. This variety produces no seeds (samara-free), keeping maintenance low.

• Growth Rate and Size: Moderate growth, reaching 12–15 metres tall with a spread of 9–12 metres at maturity.

• Wildlife Benefits: Early spring flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators.

• Ornamental Value: Highly valued for its uniform shape, intense autumn display, and tidy growth habit.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Ideal as a specimen tree in lawns or front gardens.

  • Works beautifully in avenue or driveway plantings.

  • A great choice for public parks and large landscapes.

• Seasonal Appeal: Offers year-round beauty—buds and flowers in spring, lush green summer foliage, fiery autumn colours, and an attractive branching pattern in winter.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance when planted in the right conditions

• Size
  1/2 STD

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.