Pacific Sunset

Pacific Sunset Maple (Acer truncatum x Acer platanoides 'Warrenred') is the maple for gardens that run too hot and dry for the Japanese kinds. It makes a rounded canopy around 8m tall and 6m wide, colours orange through to red in autumn, then drops its leaves and lets the winter sun back onto the house. Frost hardy, heat tolerant and close to self sufficient once the roots are down.

Why you'll love it

• Autumn colour without the fuss. The whole canopy turns orange to red before leaf drop, and it holds that display in gardens where finer maples scorch.
• Built for heat and dry spells. Drought and heat tolerant once established, which is why it succeeds in Mediterranean and inland gardens that defeat most ornamental maples.
• Real shade on a suburban block. At roughly 8m by 6m it covers a patio or a stretch of lawn without taking over the garden.
• Wind and frost are not a problem. Cold winters and exposed positions suit it, so open country blocks work as well as sheltered courtyards.

Where it works best

Shade tree. Plant it on the western or northern side of a living area. In summer the canopy blocks the worst of the afternoon sun, and in winter the bare branches give it straight back.

Driveways and avenues. Space trees 6m to 8m apart for an even run. Closer than that and the crowns crowd each other into an uneven line.

Feature planting in a small garden. One tree centred on a lawn or corner bed is enough. Allow the full 6m width before you commit, because this is a shade tree rather than a small ornamental.

Growing Pacific Sunset Maple in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, all day. It belongs in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, so the southern states, the tablelands and inland districts all suit it. It is not the pick for tropical or subtropical gardens, where warm nights mute the autumn display.

Soil. Any reasonably drained soil suits it, including poorer ground, but avoid sites that stay wet after rain. Work compost through the backfill and keep 75mm of mulch clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers, then only in extended dry weather. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring is enough for the year.

Pruning. Very little is required. Prune in winter while the branches are bare, removing crossing limbs and lifting the lower canopy for clearance. The roots are moderately vigorous, so allow 4m to 5m between trunk and paving.

What to expect when it arrives

This one is grown in 400mm, 100L and 200L. The 400mm is a young whip with a straight leader and wants staking for its first two years. The 100L and 200L are advanced trees carrying real height and branch structure on arrival, so shade comes in a few seasons rather than a decade.

Because it is deciduous, a tree delivered between late autumn and early spring arrives bare of leaves. That is normal, not a fault. Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, and every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Choosing a canopy tree for shade
• Browse plants with autumn colour
• Compare the deciduous tree range
• Trees suited to driveways and avenues

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

Moderate, roughly 30 to 50cm of height a year once established, faster with water and feed early on. Advanced sizes shorten the wait considerably.

Will I get good autumn colour in a mild climate?

Colour is strongest where autumn nights turn cold, so inland and southern gardens get the deepest reds. In milder coastal gardens expect warm orange tones rather than the full display.

Is it safe to plant near paving or pipes?

The roots are moderately vigorous rather than aggressive. Keep 4m to 5m of clearance from hard surfaces and services and you will avoid trouble later.